Cleaning Daguerreotypes

Abstract

The cleaning of daguerreotypes puts particular demands on a silver cleaner, namely that it is necessary to remove tarnish and debris while preserving microstructural features of the order of 0·1–1·0μm in size and maintaining the surface quality of the daguerreotype plate itself. The traditional silver dip cleaners are discussed in light of these requirements. Reactive sputtering was further investigated as a practical means of cleaning daguerreotypes. Its function and suggested use are discussed. A new method for cleaning daguerreotypes, electrocleaning, is presented, with the details of its development and field testing. Recommendations for the care and cleaning of daguerreotypes are given.

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