Conservation and restoration techniques applied in two Australian maritime archaeological projects

Shipwrecks and Salvage‎ > ‎7. Conservation‎ > ‎

Perform investigations and gather information from secondary sources to compare conservation and restoration techniques applied in two Australian maritime archaeological projects

Stage: Endeavour Cannons: Vernon Anchors:
Physical Treatment
  • Hammers used to remove hard coral from cannon surfaces.
  • Core drilling of cannons’ bores.
  • Iron surfaces blasted with copper slag, which removed outer corrosion and the remains of protective paint, then garnet polished.
Electrolytic Treatment
  • Electrolysis in 2% NaOH solution for many weeks.
  • Baths changed regularly.
  • Continued until chloride concentration levelled out at approximately 20 ppm.
  • Electrolysis not used because:
    • Would cause damage to timber stocks
    • Was not necessary
Final Treatment
  • Immersed in molten microcrystalline wax for five days (reversible).
  • Iron treated with zinc epoxy paint.
  • Timber stocks saturated with zinc napthenate solution.
Display
  • One cannon displayed indoors at Australian National Maritime Museum.
  • Protected from moisture and harsh light.
  • Displayed outdoors at Australian National Maritime Museum.
  • Exposed to elements.
  • Rest on aluminium mesh, which:
    • Allows water to drain away.
    • Has a higher oxidation potential than iron.
Monitoring
  • Because the artefact is not exposed to any potentially harmful elements, monitoring is not particularly important.
  • Regularly inspected for deterioration.
  • Hosed with freshwater on a regular basis to reduce salt build-up.