The role of standards in conservation methods for metals in cultural heritage

Abstract: This chapter discusses the importance of using standards in conservation methodology and practice for cultural heritage (CH) metals. The past general trend in the field is the use of metal industry standards. The chapter surveys the relevant scientific publications, and concludes that conservation researchers use a variety of these standards adopted by different organisations. As a result, it can be difficult to compare scientific data for CH metal studies carried out by different laboratories. The chapter discusses the necessity to draft new standards for metals specific for CH by examining how three independent researchers had different findings when testing the same coating. The role of CEN/TC 346 ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage’ is also discussed.

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