Rachel, we had a somewhat similar problem -- concerning exhibit properties, not glazing -- in my former museum. I chose to view the situation as a conservation issue, since I was concerned the fading and color shift on the exhibit properties might have been an indicator of something that could damage collections. Our conservation consultant tracked down the print medium used on the properties, and she also examined silver and other delicate surfaces in the galleries. We also, searched for materials that might cause chemical reactions, and discovered that our maintenance technician had used an "environmentally friendly" cleaner in our air handlers. The cleaner had been used according to the manufacturer's directions, but it proved to be harmful to our graphics, as evidenced by tests carried out by our conservator. Together, we developed new procedures for cleaning the air handlers, so that air would not circulate until they were cleaned, rinsed, and dried.
I realize this does not answer your question, but as is often the case, "It depends". The exact nature of your exhibit cases is the first question, followed by the composition of the chemicals used for cleaning, or perhaps other chemicals in the air, from cleaning materials, external pollution, off-gassing of materials in the galleries, and so forth. A complete, scientific examination of the situation may give you an answer, but I am not sure that anything else will.
Best of luck,
Bruce
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Bruce MacLeish
Curator Emeritus, Newport Restoration Foundation
Cooperstown NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-13-2019 12:54 PM
From: Rachel Minor
Subject: Haze/Film on Glass
Hi Todd
I have a similar problem in our museum, but we have something on our windows that simply will not come off. I have tried various glass cleaners, a vinegar/water solution, and an alcohol/water solution. Nothing seems to remove it. It almost feels like there is a super fine layer of something on the windows that won't come off. I have wondered if there is a possibility that the UV film on the cases has somehow been damaged and that is why the haze does not come off. I have also wondered if there is a mineral buildup from water or other cleaners. I am very frustrated because it looks like our exhibit glass is always dirty and it drives me crazy.
Please let me know if you have come up with any cleaning solutions that work.
Thank you,
Rachel Minor
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Rachel Minor
Supervisor/Curator
Jesse Peter Museum - Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa CA
Original Message:
Sent: 05-18-2017 11:48 AM
From: Todd Holmberg
Subject: Haze/Film on Glass
Hello Everyone,
I work in Collection Maintenance at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and I am responsible for cleaning the glass on the display cases. Over time, we notice there is a "haze/film" that seems to form on the glass. It covers the glass surface uniformly- inside and out, and seems to be from something in the air (possibly?). It occurs all throughout the building. Building HVAC filters are regularly changed. I have not run any tests yet to see exactly how long it takes for it to form, but I would guess it becomes noticeable on areas of glass that go about 2-3 months between cleanings (these areas are mostly on tall cases way out of reach that require ladders for cleaning or inside cases that require deinstallation for cleaning).
We clean glass with a 50/50 solution of deionized water/Isopropyl alcohol.
Although it can be easily cleaned off, I am curious to know if any other museums experience this "haze/film" on glass cases, and see if there are any possible ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
If anyone has thoughts on this, they would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Todd Holmberg
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Todd Holmberg
Collection Maintenance Technician
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minneapolis MN
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