In the heart of the charming historic palace of Candeglia, in Pistoia, stands a treasure of inestimable value: an ancient stone fireplace, silent witness of centuries of history and tradition. However, the passage of time and wear have left their mark on this precious architectural work, soiling it with combustion residues, known as soot or carbon black.
What is the sandstone
The pietra serena, also known as sandstone, is native to the region of Tuscany in Italy, especially the areas around Florence. Its greyish color varies from light to darker shades, often with natural veins or streaks that add a unique touch of beauty to each piece. This stone has been used since Etruscan and Roman times for the construction of monumental buildings, bridges, churches and palaces throughout Tuscany and beyond. Its popularity increased in the Renaissance, when it was used in many iconic works of art and architecture of Florence and other Tuscan cities. Sandstone is known for its resistance to atmospheric corrosion and weathering, making it an ideal material for outdoor construction. It is also easily machined, allowing craftsmen to create intricate details and complex shapes.
Today, sandstone is used in a wide range of applications, ranging from flooring and exterior cladding to decorative elements in the interiors of buildings. It is particularly appreciated in contemporary design for its sober and elegant appearance. Although the stone is resistant, it still requires some maintenance to preserve its beauty over time. This may include periodic cleaning to remove accumulated dirt and dust and, if necessary, repair of any damage caused by wear or exposure to the elements. The beauty of serene stone has inspired artists, architects and designers for centuries. Its presence in Renaissance works of art and in Tuscan culture continues to influence creatives from all over the world, keeping its cultural and artistic importance alive.
To preserve and bring to light the original beauty of this fireplace, it was necessary a careful and targeted cleaning and restoration. The process was conducted by the artisans of Delta Special Applications with the utmost care and attention, respecting the authenticity and integrity of the material.
Cleaning with alkaline paste TIXO
The first step towards the restoration was the use of the alkaline paste TIXO, a powerful solution that can effectively remove soot and carbon black accumulated over the years. This paste acted gently but with determination, bringing the material back to its original state of cleanliness without compromising its structure.
Washing with acid solution DELICACID
Once the most stubborn dirt has been removed, a second cleaning phase has been carried out using a slightly acidic solution with the descaling buffered acid detergent DELICACID , diluted to 10% in water and finally a thorough rinsing with water was carried out in order to eliminate any detergent residue and prepare the surface for the next stage of the restoration process.
Protection with impregnator LITOFLON
To protect the chimney from future damage and ensure its durability over time, anti-explosion protection has been applied with the neutral non-film-forming water-repellent primer LITOFLON. This treatment has formed a protective layer on the surface of the chimney, rejecting moisture and preventing the formation of unwanted stains and deposits.
Thanks to the accurate and professional intervention of the artisans of Delta Appplicazioni Speciali, the historic fireplace of Candeglia has been restored to its former glory, preserving its beauty and its historical value intact. This restoration not only helped to preserve a valuable piece of the cultural heritage of Pistoia, but also paid tribute to the craftsmanship of the past craftsmen, who created works intended to withstand the passage of the centuries. The care and attention devoted to every stage of the restoration process and the use of Marbec products have guaranteed an excellent and lasting result.
