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!