About this project
B.R. Howard was contracted by a government agency to conserve their Nathan Hale Monument located outside one of their facilities. The bronze sat outdoors for decades and corrosion had altered its original appearance.
Before
After
What we did
Analytical FTIR testing of the coating on the Nathan Hale Sculpture revealed a failing alkyd resin paint that had been locally applied to areas of the sculpture. This was probably done to hide the green corrosion product as it was forming on the surfaces. The sculpture also tested for lead paint and it was positive. Chemical stripping gels were utilized for removing the coatings and safe disposal followed all Hazardous Materials Guidelines.
After the paint had been removed, the monument was pressure washed and thoroughly cleaned. Areas of corrosion were locally re-patinated and a specially formulated, proprietary blend of waxes were applied with torches. Then sculpture was cold waxed and buffed twice to ensure areas were not missed.