Conservation Treatment Report for the Conservation Lab Sink
Condition and Description Summary:
This is a stainless-steel double sink, with a crook neck faucet and individual handles for hot and cold water control. The sink is in poor condition, with a thick encrustation of desiccated PVA glue. No signs of previous cleaning attempts are visible.
Treatment Proposal
The encrusted glue will be removed mechnically, assisted by an application of warm aqueous Dihydrogen Monoxide. After a careful review of the literature and historical context of the sink, the minor amount of surface abrasion that might occur was determined to be an acceptable amount of loss. Appropriate protective gear will be employed by the conservator, such as an apron. A MSDS for Dihydrogen Monoxide is available here: http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html
Possible Effects of Treatment:
Without proper stretching or motivation, the conservator could be subjected to cramped fingers, elbows, or shoulders as a result of the effort required by the mechanical removal method. If the motivational music ceases to play, the conservator may become overly frustrated and not continue the treatment. There is a likely possibility of solvent over-splash, which could affect nearby working areas such as the counter-top surrounding the sink, and the dish drainer. The conservator’s fingers might become all pruny, as a result of extended exposure to warm water. Finally, if the treatment is successful, the conservator might experience a great deal of Personal Satisfaction at a Job Well Done.
Treatment Performed:
1) A suitable musical playlist was selected, so as to increase the chances of success and improve the morale of the conservator. The name of the playlist was “Your Own 80’s Training Montage”, available on Songza (http://songza.com/lis…/your-own-80s-training-montage-songza/)
2) The basin of the sink was filled with hot tap water, approximately 90 degrees F. The water was retained via the use of the original drain plugs, as per the original intent of the sink’s creator. The sink was left to soak for 20 minutes.
3) Using a combination of determination, gumption, and a 2" wide metal paint scraper, the encrusted glue was removed mechanically. A green Scotch-Brite ™ brand scouring pad was also applied vigorously to the sink’s surface as an additional removal method. The volume of the musical playlist was increased when the conservator determined it to be appropriate.
4) The sink was given a final rinse with warm tap water and allowed to air dry.
Total treatment time: 1.5 hours.
Treatment Photography:
Before Treatment: Unavailable. (The conservator will be reprimanded appropriately.)
During Treatment (the left basin had already been treated at the time of the photograph):
After Treatment:
