The most reliable method of shifting chewing gum from paving or metal is
to freeze the patch rapidly to a very low temperature.  This makes it go
crystalline and it then breaks up into powder when it is stuck with
e.g. a light mallet or hammer.  There are special kits available for this
(try an janitorial supplies firm).  However, I've seen people do this with
a blast from a liquid carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, or sound out a
friendly local plumber, who will probably have a liquid nitrogen kit that
they use to freeze water and heating pipes temporarily so that they can
carry out work on a system without having spend time (and expense)
draining down the whole of the plumbing system.

There will probably be a residual stain initially, but on a chunk of brass
as solid as that on a Steinway you could use an ordinary brass polish on
this.


Patrick Boylan

==========================




On Thu, 20 Jun 2002, Christian Carr wrote:

> Hello, all--Here is another plea for conservation advice.  I've just noticed
> that one of the pedals of our recently restored 1909 Steinway concert grand has
> a hardened layer of chewing gum on it.  (Looks like spearmint Extra to me!)
>
> Leaving aside the issue of how it got there, I wonder if anyone might have a
> suggestion as to the best way to remove it?  I want to use something that won't
> harm the gold-toned finish on the pedal, and am not sure if a commercial
> product like "Goo-Gone" would be acceptable, or if there was something else
> that conservators would recommend.
>
> Thank you in advance for your suggestions!
>
> All best,
> Christian Carr
>
> Christian Carr
> duPont Scholar-in-Residence
> Department of Arts Management
> Sweet Briar College
> 434.381.6526
>
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