Armor Treatment
Documentation. In accordance with AIC documentation guidelines the object was photographed Before, During, and After treatment. Localized testing was conducted to determine chemical sensitivity of the object and suitability of any materials used in the treatment.
Treatment. Each part of armor was stabilized as needed based on the individual conservation concerns, The object was gently surface cleaned to remove any dust or detritus using soft brushes and a HEPA filtered variable suction vacuum. Then the armor pieces were polished with fine abrasives to remove surface corrosion. A commercial chemical rust inhibitor was applied to rusted interior surface taking care to avoid saturating leather elements. Then each piece was coated with a microcrystalline wax (Renaissance Wax) to preserve the surface. The wax was applied in (at least) two coats, the first being applied after heating the metal with hot air, later coatings being applied at room temperature.
Mount Upgrade. One of the most important elements of this treatments was upgrading the mount (since replacing it was prohibitively expensive). The mount was disassembled and thoroughly cleaned. Loose or detached show fabric was readhered using strips of Beva film. The Torso was consolidated at the neck, where loose fibers and plaster were exposed, and painted overall to match the original color scheme with high-quality latex paint. Padding was added to the upper shoulders to better support the chest straps and the lower edge of the torso was modified to better fit the armor once the padding was installed. An over-shirt of black 100% cotton jersey was tailored to snugly cover the torso mount. The lower legs and calves were modified to better fit the leg armor. During deinstallation it was noted the fit was extremely tight and surfaces were jagged with protruding nails. This conservator removed all the protrusions, sanded and shaped the wooden legs for a better fit, and sealed overall with high-quality latex paint matching the torso. The base of the mount was heavily chipped, abraded, and discolored. This conservator refinished the base and coated overall with an oil-based lacquer paint for durability. The arms of the mount were the biggest weakness in terms of overall stability of the armor, providing no support and actually forcing the armor into a stressed configuration, resulting in broken leather supports in several locations. For this reason, extensive modification and customized padding to the upper and lower arms was required
