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Wooden Furnishings Undergo Cleaning
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To assist with the project, preservation
staff removed all furnishings and decorative objects from this
space to provide unobstructed access to the walls for the contractors.
The de-installation of the wooden furnishings provided an opportunity
for the museum conservator to perform a conditions assessment
and cleaning of these furnishings. |
Before
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Pre-treatment conditions such as dust accumulations,
loose joins, and abrasions were documented in writing and
with digital photographic media.
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During
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An initial cleaning to remove loose dirt and dust was performed
with natural bristle brushes and vacuum suction. Solvent
testing of the individual wood finishes of each furnishing
indicated that mineral spirits was ideal for removing entrenched
dirt without affecting the surfaces finishes of the furnishings.
Here the Museum Conservator is wiping away more adherent
dirt with a clean cotton cloth that has been dampened with
mineral spirits.
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During
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To protect the newly cleaned surfaces, a synthetic wax
was brush applied to all exposed areas of the furnishings
with a natural bristle brush. Synthetic wax coatings are
a relatively benign way to seal finished wood and prevent
ingrained dirt accumulations. They also ease future dusting
efforts. Each furnishing received two applications of wax.
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After
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After each wax application, a light buffing was performed
with clean, lint-free cloths and a natural bristle brush
to impart a luster to the furnishings.
As seen above, after treatment this desk has had much of
the original warmth of the wood restored.
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At the end of the project, all furnishings
were returned to the room where they are currently on display.
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