6 DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY

Although mechanical additions like patches, mounts, and linings should be easily removable, for many objects durability may be a more important consideration. Joint failure in glass or ceramic objects could result in substantial additional damage to the piece, and reversibility may therefore be a lesser consideration. Ease in undoing existing repairs may, however, depend on a lack of durability. We may be able to take apart old repairs, glue linings, etc., simply because they have become very weak. This is not an acceptable standard for modern conservators. Modern techniques should be both durable and reversible.