Excerpt from Applied Decoration for Historic Interiors: Preserving Composition Ornament Increased concern about the environment may well render the toxic methylene chloride strippers obsolete in the near future. Manufacturers have already produced safer strippers based on dimethyl esters, and further research will probably yield other alternatives to chlorinated solvents. Slower acting solvent-type strippers may well be safer to the underlying composition ornament, but additional research and use are needed before making definitive statements. In summary, most damage to compo occurs during the removal of layers of paint; this is a critical process and should not be attempted without consulting a conservator and should not be undertaken by painting contractors unless they are highly skilled and have had extensive experience in this very delicate procedure. Proper disposal of residual chemicals and debris must b undertaken to avoid contaminating the environment with solvents and lead, and such disposal is, in fact, now required by federal, state, and local ordinances. The company responsible for removing chemical waste should be licensed to dispose of it, otherwise the property owner may be held accountable if disposal laws are violated. Refinishing compo ornament usually follows stripping. According to historic evidence uncovered and depending on the existing and desired appearance of the room, compo can be stained, painted, gilded, marbleized, or glazed. Paint types may include distemper, alkyd oil, or latex. A thin coating is recommended so the intricate surface detail is not clogged. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

The National Park Service, a branch of the Department of the Interior, knows preservation. In its hundred-year existence, the service has dealt with just about every problem an old structure can have. Whether it is removing graffiti in Manhattan or rebuilding a barn in Oregon, the National Park Service knows what to do. Here are the official U.S. guidelines, a lively and instructive collection of tried and tested knowledge and reliable techniques, written by the top experts in the field. Over forty fully illustrated chapters addressing topics such as: — cleaning and waterproof coating of historic masonry — roofing for historic buildings — the preservation of historic glazed architectural terra-cotta — exterior paint problems on historic woodwork — the preservation of historic barns — heating, ventilating, and cooling historic buildings — historic signs — applied decoration for historic interiors — using substitute materials on historic building exteriors — understanding old buildings — understanding architectural cast iron Every chapter is written with the utmost detail and clarity so that any reader can perform the safest and most historically accurate repairs. The book also offers invaluable advice on what not to do that can save a homeowner thousands of dollars, hours, and perhaps a priceless piece of architecture. For the hobbyist or the professional restorer, The Preservation of Historic Architecture is the definitive government text on restoring, repairing, and preserving old buildings.

The National Park Service's official advice on preserving and restoring historic buildings.

Provides guidance to historic building owners and building managers, preservation consultants, architects, contractors, and project reviewers prior to treatment of historic buildings.