The instruments and products used by restorers are both simple and very specific. Everyone has his own needs, do the same: make your own assortment!
Tools of investigation
- A magnifying glass: for a better look at tiny faults (for example, in the paint layer).
- An ultraviolet lamp, known as "Wood's lamp:" to study varnishes (which appear in varying shades of green depending on thickness and age). The lamp will also aid in distinguishing areas which have already been repainted.
- One or more strong lamps: to aid in your visual examination.
- A camera: take photos from many angles and refer to your photos as you work, especially to fill a gap precisely.
Daily equipment
- A basin (of the type, for example, for photo developing) for soaking and treatments.
- Cotton swabs, absorbent cotton, craft sticks, white chalk.
- Flat spatulas, a cutter, scissors.
- Paintbrushes and brushes of varying stiffnesses, feather duster, eraser powder, rags, sponges...
- Wooden wedges, sandpaper and corks for pouncing
- Paper towels, blotters,
For each product, a single use
- Diluted vinyl and tylose glue for engravings.
- Pine oil cleaner, to clean the stretcher.
- Bleach, sodium hyposulphite to brighten engravings.
- Citrate of ammonia to remove grease from the varnish.
- Solvent (for example isopropanol) to lighten the varnish.
- A filler for smoothing.
- Watercolors or special restoration paints.
- Varnish for retouching.
But also
For work on the stretcher: a small prybar, staples and a fabric stapler.
Recommended product:
Conservation Backing Boards
See also :
Restoration
Restore: The Basic Concepts
