| Any restoration process is a balance between several | | | | function is to enhance the appearance of the object, |
| opposing forces. Finding the right approach will differ | | | | not protect or stop its deterioration. |
| for each object based on the constraints listed | | | | Cost vs Budget: |
| below. | | | | The cost of research, documentation, materials and |
| - Nature and Condition of Object - verses - Use of | | | | multiple treatments to achieve the perfect |
| Object | | | | restoration of a historical item can often exceed |
| - Technical Restraints - verses - The Perfect | | | | most budgets. How far one goes is a balance |
| Restoration | | | | between what can or should be done and how much |
| - Cost - verses - Budget | | | | time and money you are willing to spend. When cost |
| Condition vs. Use: | | | | is a restraint, the procedures that protect from |
| The current condition of an object, its intended use | | | | current environmental harm and stop deterioration |
| and current use all play a major roll in the restoration | | | | should be completed first. Then proceed to other |
| process. The antique, bird cage, tilt top table with a | | | | issues as funds become available. Restoring Uncle |
| pie crust top that sits in the corner of a room in a | | | | Jed's favorite arm chair to usable condition could |
| historic home with a rope across the doorway is | | | | exceed its current market value. However the clients |
| much different than the one in your living room that | | | | sentimental value or emotional attachment can place |
| is used every day. The one in your home may | | | | its value much higher than the items innate monetary |
| require replacing the historic deteriorating finish with a | | | | value. |
| modern finish made to look old to protect and | | | | Keep in mind that an items condition may look bad to |
| preserve its value. If an item is only for display and | | | | the untrained eye and only require a relatively |
| will not be exposed to any normal every day ware | | | | inexpensive and simple treatment to protect the item |
| and tare, preserving the original finish would be the | | | | and bring back its original beauty. While other objects |
| best choice. | | | | may look very good, they may require a lot of work |
| Technical vs. Perfection: | | | | to stop or prevent on going deterioration and restore |
| Procedural technology and the skill level of the | | | | unseen damage. Selecting an experienced professional |
| restorer limits the final outcome of any object to | | | | to evaluate your heirlooms, collectibles, antiques or |
| what is currently available. Some objects should only | | | | fine furnishing is an investment that pays dividends |
| be stabilize and stored safely until new technology is | | | | by protecting your valuable assets and personal |
| developed to restore a particular condition. A | | | | heirlooms. |
| professional restorer will not take on projects he or | | | | From general repairs and refinishing to museum |
| she is not capable of preforming until they have | | | | quality conservation or preservation the range of |
| acquired the necessary knowledge and training to | | | | services available from Professional Restorers |
| achieve a proficient skill level that assures treatment | | | | International (PRI) members is astounding. |
| out come. Many treatments are optional as their | | | | |