Cleaning of daguerreotypes with an excimer laser

Abstract

The cleaning of daguerreotypes is a process that must remove tarnish layers and debris without altering the optical properties of the daguerreotype. This means that (1) the polished silver layer substrate must not be etched or pitted and (2) the image particles must not be altered or damaged. Electro cleaning is the only known method of cleaning gilded daguerreotypes; however, it is not suitable for the treatlnent of ungilded and coloured daguerreotypes. This article describes a new laser method for cleaning daguerreotypes. A model is developed for the cleaning process and testing procedures are discussed. This method permits (1) the cleaning of gilded and ungilded plates, (2) local treatment and (3) removal of tarnish without immersion in solvents and chemicals.