AIC's 47th Annual Meeting

As the popularity of uncoated aluminum and stainless-steel sculptures and architectural elements expands and as the objects begin to age, it is becoming increasingly necessary to develop effective and sustainable treatments that are able to balance the original intent of the architect/artist, give longevity to the artifact, and ease the burden of maintenance for the caretakers. Additionally, the perception of these metals that they are “stainless” can cause caretakes and designers to underestimate corrosion forces and design pieces that create highly aggressive corrosive environments. Unlike painted surfaces which can be cleaned, patched, and recoated, the deterioration of these uncoated surfaces cannot be hidden and most available coatings will alter the appearance of the surface and obscure the original intent of the piece. This presentation will discuss several options for both cleaning and maintaining these objects as well as the inherent frailties in what is often considered a durable and low maintenance materials. Case Studies include Tinman, Ringling Museum (Aluminum and Steel), Tricorne Washington, DC, (Stainless-Steel).