CHOATE MEMORIAL STATUE_FINAL TREATMENT REPORT_2015 Choate Memorial Statue
Final Treatment Report
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Before Restoration After Restoration
June 17, 2015
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Overview
Skylight Studios received confirmation on April 27, 2015 from the City of Salem that we
would be awarded the project based on our RFP submitted to complete the conservation of the
Choate Memorial Statue. Our contract was signed and we submitted a Preliminary Conservation
Assessment report on June 1 st, which outlined the existing conditions, the history of the
monument, and the proposed treatment. After acceptance of the Assessment, we proceeded with
the treatments at the Memorial site from June 1st through June 13th, 2015. The following itemizes
each part of the completed treatment as well as specifications for recommended short- and long-
term maintenance.
Final Treatments
Granite
1. The granite base was cleaned using a diluted mixture of Vulpex soap and water through a
low-pressure power wash. Organic deposits, ingrained dirt, and some stains were
successfully removed(see pictures 1 and 2). The areas of ingrained green stain caused by
the bronze corrosion were successfully removed by selectively air blasting with a fine
sand from a distance of at least one foot (see picture 3). Note that the area of rust stain
that was noted on the proper right back side of the bottom base was not completely
removed. This stain has penetrated into the stone and will require additional treatment if
possible. If a stone specialist is employed to complete the dutchman repairs in the future
they could, in addition,treat this area of stain with a poultice (see picture 4).
Picture 1
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Picture 2
Picture 3
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Picture 4
2. The existing mortar joints in between the component parts of the stone were checked for
stability. Areas of loose mortar were mechanically removed and repointed with Sakrete
concrete and mortar patch. The color of this material matches the existing mortar(see
picture 5).
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MORTAR PATCH
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Picture 5
Bronze
1. Yellow jacket nests were exterminated.
2. A double tower on all 4 sides of pipe staging was erected around the monument. The
staging was used for access to all parts of the monument as well as acting as a frame to
make an enclosure with plastic that went up to the top of the sculpture (see picture 6).
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Picture 6
3. Air blasting with fine sand was used to remove the existing corrosion from the surface of
the bronze (see pictures 7 to 10).
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Picture 7
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Picture 8
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Picture 9
Picture 10
4. The top surfaces of the bronze were highlighted with fine Scotch-Brite (see picture 11).
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Picture 11
5. Residue of sand and loose material was removed with compressed air.
6. Holes caused by corrosion that penetrated the wall thickness of the bronze as well as the
vertical crack at the shield were filled with FastSteel reinforced epoxy putty
manufactured by PSI (Polymeric Systems, Inc.) (see pictures 12 to 15).
Picture 12
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Picture 13
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Picture 14
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Picture 15
7. Multiple applications of Birchwood Casey M-38 Brown Patina chemical were applied by
spray to chemically renew the brown patina. After the last application,the sculpture was
thoroughly rinsed with water(see pictures 16 to 18).
Picture 16
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Picture 17
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Picture 18
8. Three applications of incralac diluted 50%with Xylene were applied by spray (see
pictures 19 to 21).
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Picture 1
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Picture 21
9. Two coats of microcrystalline paste wax were applied by China bristle brush. The surface
was buffed after drying with soft cotton rags and a soft buffing wheel (see pictures 22 to
24).
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Picture 22
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Picture 23
Picture 24
10. The pipe staging was taken down and the site around the memorial was cleaned(see
pictures 25 to 27).
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Picture 27
Maintenance Recommendations
Short-term Maintenance
1. An annual cleaning and re-waxing of the bronze is recommended. This will ensure
continued protection for the incralac coating and surface of the bronze to prevent
corrosion. The bronze should be thoroughly washed with multiple applications of running
water and soft sponges to remove all surface dirt which has accumulated on the surface.
If surface dirt remains, Vulpex soap diluted 10:1 with water can be applied with a soft
sponge manually and rinsed thoroughly with water. After cleaning it is necessary to
completely dry the surface of the bronze. This can be achieved with compressed air or a
portable leaf blower. A microcrystalline paste wax such as Butchers Wax, Trewax, or
BWC paste wax is applied manually with a soft bristle brush to completely coat the
surface of the bronze. After the first coat has dried, a second application should be
applied. Once the wax has dried for a minimum time of 2 hours,the wax is buffed
mechanically with soft cotton rags.Note: Re-waxing should be completed over 2 days
that have no precipitation and a relatively low humidity. The Spring or Fall are optimum
times to complete this treatment.
2. All mortar or caulk joints should be inspected yearly and repointed if necessary.
3. The stone should be cleaned of organic matter and dirt yearly by washing with a mild
soap such as Vulpex and multiple applications of running water through a low-pressure
power wash.
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Long-term Maintenance
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1. Over time,the incralac coating will break down and deteriorate due to the exposure of
ultra violet light. This may occur from within 6 to 10 years. This condition will be visible
by the appearance of a whitish flaking on the coating on the surface of the bronze. At this
time, the remaining wax coatings should be stripped mechanically with a solvent such as
Naphtha. After the wax is stripped,the incralac coating should be thoroughly stripped
mechanically with an organic paint stripper or solvent. At that time the stone should be
masked off and protected from potential run-off. Alternatively, it may be possible to
remove the existing incralac coating by use of a dry ice blaster. Once the incralac is
removed, the re-patination will still be intact. After thoroughly drying the surface of the
bronze,two new applications of incralac diluted 50%with Xylene should be applied by
spray. This should be followed by 2 new coats of microcrystalline paste wax applied with
a soft brush and buffed when dry.
2. An Optional Treatment was recommended in the Preliminary Conservation Assessment
for restoration of the stone base. See below.
The most enduring method to restore the larger areas of loss on the component parts of
the granite base would be to complete Dutchman repairs. Square cuts would be made outside the
perimeter of the damaged areas and this area of the stone would be removed without damaging
the surrounding stone. Replacement stone that matches as closely as possible to the original
stone would be cut to size. The Dutchman is dry-fitted first and then installed in the negative cut
with lime mortar and stainless steel dowels which extend through the old and new stone.
The cost to complete this treatment is not known at this time nor is there a sufficient time
period to do the work before the Proposed Treatments.
Recommendations for sources for expertise and materials for this Optional Treatment are
as follows:
Source for Stony Creek or Milford Pink Granite:
The Sev Monument Co.
PO Box 562
Barre,VT 05641
Sources for stone conservators to complete the Dutchman repairs:
Line and Stone, Inc.
250 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474
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Or
Ivan Myjer Building& Monument Conservation
83 School St.
Arlington, MA 02476
Materials
Material list and sources for recommended maintenance are as follows:
1. Vulpex Soap is available through Talas,phone 212-219-0770, www.talasonline.com.
2. Sakrete mortar patch is available at the Home Depot and other hardware stores.
3. The solvents Naphtha and Xylene are available at the Home Depot and other hardware
stores.
4. Trewax is available at the Home Depot and other hardware stores and BWC Bowling
Alley Wax is available through the BWC Company, phone 800-569-0394,
www.bwceompanv.com.
5. Incralac is available through Talas, phone 212-219-0770,www.talasonline.com.
6. Dry ice blasting is available at Continental Carbonic Products, 71 Linden Street, Lynn,
MA 01905,phone 800-379-4232.
This Final Treatment Report is submitted by:
Robert Shure &Kayla Malouin
Skylight Studios, Inc.
105 Salem Street
Woburn,MA 01801
on June 17, 2015