SUBJECT: Arnesen Square Plaque

Perth Amboy Veterans War Memorial Plaque*

FOUNDRY: Brakmeier Brothers, Louisville, KY*

MEDIUM: Bronze

LOCATION:  Arnesen Square

Perth Amboy, NJ

Intersection of Fayetteville St & New Brunswick Ave.

YEAR DED.: ~1942

The plaques were removed for restoration at MCP’s studio. They had been painted with gold automotive paint and white primer. To repatinate the plaques, the paint and primer needed to be removed. This required three processes: paint remover, laser treatment using a 1064 nm laser, and calcium carbonate at low PSI. The plaques were then washed with non-ionic detergent and lint-free cloths.

Surface corrosion was minimized using soft brass brushes, Scotch-Brite 7445 pads, and Biox – a non-acidic, non-toxic, and environmentally safe solution.

Multiple applications of patina were applied to achieve a dark brown, variegated appearance. Five coats of Permalac Matte Finish were sprayed on using an HVLP system. Finally, conservator’s microcrystalline wax, suitable for outdoor use, was applied, buffed, and polished to a shine.

Videos of treatment