Adhesive for metal

Mark Ryan <ginger1612 [at] aol__com> writes

>Several historic metal objects have been excavated from an area at
>the lubbock Lake Landmark Historic Site.  These artifacts are
>fragmented, and in fairly fragile shape.  There is also extensive
>oxidation throughout.
>
>Could anyone with experience with metals suggest an adhesive to
>conjoin the pieces, and if an adhesive is not appropriate, could
>anyone suggest a method whereby the pieces could be stabilized?

Metal artifacts are a speciality for conservators who have
experience with archaeological finds.  A message such as this will
always be too short, because the complexity that can be involved in
such cases. Anyway, it is better not to glue parts together before
they are examined on their metal state and corrosion.  Any kind of
glue can be disturbing for later treatments, certainly if the pieces
are very corroded and porous. In the meantime, you can keep them in
semi-open plastic pockets (PE or PP), which are placed in an
air-thight plastic container (not PVC), together with silica-gel on
the bottom.  In that way, the RH will lower gradually en be stable
for a long period.  If you want to keep them for a very long period,
or they have to be prepared for exhibition or study, the pieces must
be professional examined and treated.

Patrick Storme
Royal Academy of Fine Arts
Conservation of Metals
Antwerp, Belgium

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:20
                Distributed: Wednesday, August 26, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-20-007
                                  ***