Restoration of a Scagliola Table Top
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Shown above is a photo of an old scagliola table top, taken after restoration. The detail photo below shows the condition of the table top when I received it.
The top had been in storage for many years, after suffering much damage from previous use. Evidently a very degraded varnish had allowed water to penetrate to the scagliola surface, softening the material enough to cause considerable losses. After thorough examination I decided to investigate the possibility, and the benefits, of removing all of the old varnish.
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The photo above illustrates some tools and materials used for testing the varnish removal, and a “wet color” test to determine the visual effects of the exposed scagliola surface. I decided to proceed with the varnish removal.
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Beginning the removal at the corner.
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Half way through.
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Varnish removal complete.
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At this stage, I apply a fluid (in this case mineral spirits) to the top, to view it’s “wet color”. While wet, I can see that the surface is clean and smooth, and that all of the images are clear and colorful. I can now begin to address the damage to the scagliola.
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The photo above of the “marbleized paper”, and the photo below of the “sheet music” show the areas that required the most attention.
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These photos show the area after treatment.
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After all of the damaged areas had been restored, the entire table was given a finish that saturated all the colors and provided protection for future use.
The left side of the top is shown above, the right side below.
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