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3D Scanning and Printing
3D Scanning and Printing
Surface Dirt and dust was removed using dry cleaning methods such as soft brushes and a museum vacuum on low suction with a net guard covering the nozzle.
This was followed by wet cleaning the surface of the pediment with Tri-Ammonium Citrate 2% in distilled water as it was the most affective in removing the engrained dirt and did not affect the state of the oil gilding. Acetone was used to treat the water gilding.
Surface Dirt and dust was removed using dry cleaning methods such as soft brushes and a museum vacuum on low suction with a net guard covering the nozzle.
This was followed by wet cleaning the surface of the pediment with Tri-Ammonium Citrate 2% in distilled water as it was the most affective in removing the engrained dirt and did not affect the state of the oil gilding. Acetone was used to treat the water gilding.
Once the gesso had dried it was then sanded down to make it smooth, level and matched the original appearance of the corner
Cleaning and Rebuilding of Back of Pediment
Dry and Wet Cleaning
Surface Dirt and dust was removed using dry cleaning methods such as soft brushes and a museum vacuum on low suction with a net guard covering the nozzle.
This was followed by wet cleaning the surface of the pediment with Tri-Ammonium Citrate 2% in distilled water as it was the most affective in removing the engrained dirt and did not affect the state of the oil gilding. Acetone was used to treat the water gilding.
Removal of Rust
The exposed iron nails had developed a red coating of iron oxide (rust) which was thoroughly removed using Citric Acid, wire wool and scalpels.
Clingfilm was placed around the nail and over the plaster structure to prevent it from being exposed to the solvent and causing damage.
Before Treatment
After Treatment
Consolidation of cracks and decoration
The structural condition of the object was very poor with deep and shallow cracks running throughout. Paraloid B72 20% in White Spirit was used as a suitable adhesive to apply in the cracks and secure the pediment structurally. the adhesive was thick enough to creature a strong bond inside the cracks. Once applied, vices were then used to secure the cracks together to ensure they were secured in the correct position.
Removal of loose plaster and installation of wooden substitutes
The back of the pediment had sustained a huge loss of plaster, exposing the structural steel wires beneath. At the bottom of the pediment where the plaster meets the wooden rail, there is a row of loose plaster which was used as a wedge to support the two together. Due to the plaster being loose, it was not for filling its purpose of creating a support and so it was removed to make room for a more suitable substitute.
The loose plaster was removed and was replaced with a Balsa wood substitute which would now hold the weight of the pediment. Balsa was used as it is a soft wood but is strong enough to endure heavy weight. It was cut to fit between the pediment and rail and secured using Paraloid B72, only to the plaster side to avoid damaging the gilt decoration on the rail side.
Installation of Balsa wood to replace plaster
Rebuilding lost plaster on the back of pediment
The damaged back of the pediment - pre treatment
The missing plaster from the back of the pediment exposed the wires and left the object structurally unstable. The substitute material chosen to replace the missing plaster was Paraloid B72 in 30% White Spirit mixed with white Microballoons which would replicated the plaster physically but have a stronger structure however is easy to shape and mould as it is a thicker substance altogether. It was also very easy to cut and shave into the required shape and therefore blended into the original plaster easily.
Once dried the material was carved with a scalpel to blend into the original structure, followed by painting with acrylic pigments
Post images of microballoons and B72 on back of pediment (white)
After carving and painting processes
Back pf pediment post treatment
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