Preservation Basics:Timber and Metal
Andrew Pearce: National Museum of Australia
Deterioration of Timber
Weathering of timber mast
Delamination of plywood in late 1800’s pram
Rot damage to Walter Burley-Griffin door
Deterioration of Metals
Wear damage to anchor chain
Steel pylon bolted to aluminium surface of helicopter
Star picket (iron in saline environment) and “bronze disease” on coins
Fingerprint etching on silver
Corrosion of lead by timber vapours
Timber Preservation Basics
• Protect from moisture• Protect from light• Protect from biological attack• Protect from impact and
abrasion• Reduce the loads
Metal Preservation Basics
• Protect from moisture• Keep salts away• Limit overpolishing• Be aware of bimetal corrosion and
reduce moisture if possible• Watch the vapors and pollution: air
transfer and tissue wrapping• Wear, impact, abrasion and vandalism• Don’t forget the non-metal bits!