Ideas for removing old floral foam from vintage pottery

[matchbookhouse]

Well, this isn't strictly old house related, but I need some good ideas. I've recently bought some antique and vintage pottery pieces at auction, and they have dried-up floral foam in or on them. Since these were estate pieces, there's no telling how long that stuff has been there, or if the pieces were in a hot attic or cold garage. I've tried Goo Gone, isopropyl alcohol, and WD-40; so far, nothing has even begun to dislodge the floral foam. Can anyone help? The stuff's like concrete!

[sooth]

Are you talking about those green brick-shaped foam pieces that florists use? Usually they are not attached unless they are glued in place with something like hot glue.

If you just need to remove glue residue, you could try lacquer thinner (keep in mind that this is a very strong chemical that can strip varnish if you're not careful, so test in an area first).

[Theresa]

Acetone dissolves some types of foam. I would only test this in an area with good ventilation.

[sooth]

Note: lacquer thinner is stronger than acetone (but it's also much cheaper at about 3$ vs 8$ a can). If you think acetone may work, try it first. The most common source for acetone is nail polish remover (which a lot of people tend to have around the house).

[rehabbingisgreen]

Oh man I'm so sorry I can't remember what it is and we've moved so I don't know if I still have it anywhere but I had just the product. I collect a bit of pottery. Weller, Hull, and the like. Anyway I'll try to search my brain and see if I can remember. It works wonderfully on lime deposits, hard water and I'm sure it would work on that too. One of my Weller's came with a horrible amount of mineral deposits and with some work it looks nice and it did no damage. I'll try to figure it out if I can.

[matchbookhouse]

Thanks for the ideas, everyone! I hadn't thought of nail polish remover (probably 'cause I never polish my nails, lol), but I'll try some today. Fortunately the pieces with the floral foam are not "great" pieces, but they're going in the shop so I'd like to get them off the kitchen counter. There's way too much merchandise stacked around the house right now!

@rehabbingisgreen; I'd like the name of that product if you remember. I do have some nice Weller vases and planters that have stains and watermarks that I need to remove. TIA for any info!

[wletson]

stains and watermarks

Water marks etc, I'd certainly try CLR. I'm guessing it is available in the U.S.

[sooth]

If all you need to remove is water marks (generally calcium and lime build-up) then any product with "surfactants" (which is what loosens stuck-on particles) such as a shower cleaner, will work (and will be more gentle than CLR).

[AZGirl]

Pure acetone works like a charm to remove floral foam.

I purchased a vintage flower frog that I wanted to use for fresh flowers. Out on the patio I poured straight acetone into the vessel and continued with other chores. About 1/2 hour later I was able to chip off the corners of the foam and reduce the size. Then, I pulled the big block out with my hand.

A warm, soapy water bath and the vase looks brand new.