restoration and conservation of cultural heritage

A problem that frequently arises when dealing with the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage is that of a new plaster that can last less than that of an old plaster . Why does this situation arise? The reasons may be different, starting from incompatible interventions that may have undermined the integrity of the restoration, both as regards cleaning and as regards the type of restoration itself, which therefore also includes the type of products used.

Restoration and conservation of cultural heritage, what measures

There are precautions that should always be taken before intervening on a cultural asset. For example, before carrying out interventions on the plasters and colors it is good to know the type of binder that has been used , therefore whether aerial lime, cement or hydraulic lime.
We must then ask ourselves what type of aggregate was used in the mixture and therefore what type of relationship there is between one and the other in order to be able to evaluate the degree of compactness, stiffness and fragility of the mixture itself.
Before intervening with the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage , it is always advisable to carry out a careful assessment in order to be aware of any phenomena linked to structural instability or forms of degradation of the materials. Phenomena such as the presence of rising humidity must then be carefully monitored.

Better to keep the original plasters

When intervention is finally carried out, as a rule, it is always preferable to opt for operations which have as their objective the conservation of the original plasters and any surviving colourings. In this case you can opt for the application of glazes that are not opaque based on milk of lime and natural pigments.
Alternatively, you can choose silicate colors which are compatible with existing supports. Among the interventions that can be considered compatible there is also the patching and re-adhesion of the original plaster, as well as the sealing of any lesions.
If the right techniques and the best products are used, the intervention can guarantee a good duration.