Baking Soda

[erik winkler]

I just read an article about John Downer repainting an old glass facia.
http://www.typedu.org/dynamic/blog/signpainter

In this article he descripes how to properly clean an old glass piece before applying new paint:

- Once with mineral spirits
- Once with Bon Ami and water
- Once with ammonia & baking soda
- Once with vinegar & baking soda
- Once with pure water alone

My question is: "Does anybody know why baking soda is used?".

[Kelly Thorson]

Hi Erik,
I've been enjoying your posts. It's always nice to have some fresh perspective here. I like curious people.
Baking soda has been used as a household cleaner for many years. It is mildly alkaline and works as a neutralizer for both bases and acids. Because of this it neutralizes the odors caused by them. In the case of cleaning glass I think it has to do with both the alkaline ability to break down fats as well as the mild abrasive quality of the granules. It's hard enough to damage copper and aluminum (in addition it may cause tarnishing of aluminum by attacking the protective surface) but won't scratch glass. In addition it may help to neutralize chemicals left from other cleaners.

[erik winkler]

Thanks Kelly,

So i could compare it a little with Bon Ami.
It neutralizes the ammonia and vinegar, gets rid of fat/oil and also works as an abrasive.

Erik