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Arte Mundit Manufactured by FTB Restoration in Belgium, Arte Mundit is an almost-odorless, latex dispersion that is formulated specifically for the internal cleaning of substrates such as stone, concrete, plaster, marble, brick and terra cotta.
Used on location at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the Royal Palace in Brussels and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, Arte Mundit is doing its part to preserve some shining examples of architectural history.
Manufactured by FTB Restoration in Belgium, Arte Mundit is an almost-odorless, latex dispersion that is formulated specifically for the internal cleaning of substrates such as stone, concrete, plaster, marble, brick and terra cotta. Arte Munditis generally sprayed on, although a brush can be used for smaller surfaces.
"We noticed our clients were having problems cleaning interiors. They had problems with dirt, the abundance of water and risks of destroying wood floors orvaluable objects inside churches," says Filip Moens, CEO of FTB Restoration. "There was no method to clean interiors — Arte Mundit is clean and controllable and economical in price."
Unlike many architectural surface cleaners, Arte Mundit can be used without disturbing normal activity in and around a building. "Because the process creates no dust, water runoff or even excessive noise — and doesn't use noxious chemicals — the building can still be occupied while the cleaning process is going on," says Irving Slavid, a U.S. representative for Arte Mundit. "For example, when Arte Mundit was used to clean the New York State Capitol Building and in St. Paul's Cathedral in London, the continual use of the buildings was not interrupted."
Arte Mundit is a dry paste that comes in several forms. Which one you use depends on the substrate and the amount of soil that needs to be cleaned off. The product is a specifically formulated latex dispersion that turns into an elastic film once the water evaporates. The elastic-like film can be peeled off after one to three days. It pulls off about 50 to 60 percent of the debris, which includes dust, nicotine deposits, soot and other pollutants. What is not peeled off is loosened and can easily be cleaned off with a damp sponge.
After the latex dispersion dries, it can peeled off by hand.
"Ease of use is one of its primary attributes," says Pat Morrissey, also a U.S. representative for Arte Mundit. "Peeling accomplishes most of the contaminant removal and light brushing with a damp sponge removes the rest. Material can then be disposed of with normal construction debris, as the product is environmentally friendly."
Application rates vary — the more intricate the surface, the higher the material rate, application time and removal time. Morrissey explains that on a smooth surface you can expect to get about 150 square feet per 33-pound container. On a production job using spray equipment, rates of 5,000 square feet per shift can be obtained on flat surfaces. Removal and cleanup generally takes about two days with a two-person crew.
Morrissey explains that although the material cost is slightly higher than other materials, the application and removal times make it a competitive product. "Also, as it can be used in an area without greatly affecting normal activities, these cost advantagescan besignificant when taken into account."
Arte Mundit was used at the New York State Capitol in Albany, N.Y. This photo offers a before-and-after perspective
The product has been used for important projects for the past six years, so re-cleaning a structure has not been addressed — although it has not become an issue so far, according to Morrissey.
"Every contractor that I have spoken to appreciates the concepts of using little water, ease of application, ease of removal and convenient inside application, which allows winter work for staff," says Morrissey. "Arte Mundit provides a new concept to introduce to their clients."
Morrissey also says that clients he has worked with say this will be their primary method of interior building cleaning within the next 10 years.
"What differentiates this from other products is its ease of use and performanceon delicate interior surfaces where traditional materials produce huge amounts of dust, noise, or water," says Morrissey. "This material can also be used for selective cleaning — it can do a single stone or complete cathedral. It is ideal for maintenance operations in high-traffic areas such as elevator surrounds, handrails, and areas subject to daily human contact."
For more information about Arte Mundit, visit www.artemundit.us, e-mail or call ConSpec Associates at (203) 467-4426.
