Conservation and restoration of waterlogged wood

MaryRose-conservation-June2008-1

NIE 1905 Ship-worm

Mary Rose, Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire - geograph.org.uk - 720237

Vasa Top Deck

Conservation and restoration of waterlogged wood is a specialized field within conservation and restoration that focuses on the preservation of wooden artifacts that have been submerged in water for extended periods. This process is crucial for archaeology, maritime history, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Causes of Waterlogging[edit | edit source]

Waterlogging occurs when wood is submerged in water, leading to the saturation of its cellular structure. This can happen in various environments, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. Over time, the wood's natural resins and lignin can degrade, making it susceptible to microbial attack and physical deterioration.

Challenges in Conservation[edit | edit source]

The primary challenges in conserving waterlogged wood include:

Structural Weakness: Waterlogged wood often becomes soft and fragile.
Microbial Degradation: Bacteria and fungi can further deteriorate the wood.
Chemical Changes: Prolonged exposure to water can alter the chemical composition of the wood.

Conservation Techniques[edit | edit source]

Several techniques are employed to conserve and restore waterlogged wood:

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Treatment[edit | edit source]

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common chemical used to replace water in the wood's cellular structure. The wood is soaked in a PEG solution, which gradually replaces the water, stabilizing the wood and preventing shrinkage and cracking.

Freeze-Drying[edit | edit source]

Freeze-drying involves freezing the waterlogged wood and then reducing the surrounding pressure to allow the frozen water to sublimate directly from solid to gas. This method is effective in preserving the wood's structural integrity.

Sugar Treatment[edit | edit source]

In some cases, sugar solutions are used to replace the water in the wood. This method is less common but can be effective for smaller artifacts.

Consolidation[edit | edit source]

Consolidation involves the use of resins and adhesives to strengthen the wood. This technique is often used in conjunction with other methods to provide additional support to fragile artifacts.

Notable Projects[edit | edit source]

Several notable projects have involved the conservation and restoration of waterlogged wood, including:

The Mary Rose: A Tudor warship that sank in 1545 and was raised in 1982. Extensive conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the ship's wooden structure.
The Vasa: A Swedish warship that sank in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. The Vasa is now housed in the Vasa Museum in Stockholm.