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Cleaning of Adjacent Materials
In construction, it's common to use cleaning agents either for a 'final cleaning' prior to acceptance of a building site, or as part of regular building maintenance. These cleaning agents interfere with RHEINZINK®'s natural patination process, which can result in irreversible visual blemishes.
RHEINZINK recommends the following:
- Wash with any non-acidic based products (Ex. Ivory or Dove soaps, and water). After washing from top to bottom, rinse thoroughly.
- Use products with a PH level between 5.5 and 11.5 to avoid adverse affects.
- Covering of RHEINZINK® (Ex. plastic tarp, canvas etc.) can be done to avoid direct contact of cleaning agents. If covered, it must be done in such a way that ventilation of the covered components is ensured. If this is not possible, ensure that the material covering the zinc is not damp and will not allow liquids to penetrate through to the zinc.
Normal Cleaning
For light dirt and changes in color caused by dust contamination or bird droppings, surfaces can be cleaned with any non-acid based products (Ex. Ivory or Dove soap, and water). After washing from top to bottom, rinse thoroughly.
Use products with a PH level between 5.5 and 11.5 to avoid adverse affects.
Oily dirt (remnants from the cutting process) can be removed with a clean, white, lint-free, cotton cloth lightly moistened with WD40 or gun oil. These products protect the material after it has been cleaned, and until the patina begins to develop.
Heavy Soiling
If the surface is extremely dirty, a light pressure washing can be used. As with the above, if this method is chosen, clean and submit a sample panel for client approval prior to proceeding.
Adhesive Residue and Smudge Removal
Apply a small amount of Goo Gone, WD40, Goof off, or Gun oil to a soft clean, white, lint-free, cotton cloth. Apply light pressure and rub in the direction of the grain. Remove excess solution with a clean, soft cloth.
Never use large quantities of Goo Gone or WD40 or apply directly to the surface.
To remove lighter soiling as well as adhesive residue from RHEINZINK surfaces, we recommend using WD40 or Goo Gone. Either product can be found in a hardward store. *Please note that any liquid product being applied to the zinc must first be applied to a clean, white, lint-free, cotton cloth and then rubbed on the zinc. Always avoid spraying anything directly to the zinc.
If using WD40 or Goo Gone to remove adhasive residue, fingerprints or light soiling, please note that there will be an oily residue in the area of application. This is normal and in an outdoor application will disspate with rain, etc.
The surface after cleaning
If, during the cleaning process, the "preweathered" blue gray surface is rubbed off, the Bright Rolled material beneath will appear. The Bright Rolled will eventually be transformed into a weathered surface as the patina develops. Depending on the application, this process takes anywhere from a few months up to 5 years. Abrasive cleaning cannot be done without long-term damage to the surface appearance and should be avoided. If you have any questions, please contact your RHEINZINK Representative.
As always, a small area should be tested to see if acceptable results are achieved using the methods noted above.
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