Waterlogged Wood Conservation Treatment

SP-11 Treatment to preserve waterlogged and excavated wood. It has been successfully tested and used by archaeologists and conservators for over 20 years and has significant benefits over other types of treatment used for water logged artefacts.

Since water soaks in and fills the cell walls of archaeological waterlogged wood, when removed from the water and dried, the tangential shrinkage can be 50-75% compared to 5-10% shrinkage in freshly cut wood. When left to dry on its own, this leads to radical shrinkage and degradation of the wood. Thus, a conservation treatment must be used to preserve the shape and structure of these archaeological artefacts.

• It is easy to use and does not need to be heated or diluted to penetrate.
• SP-11 has small molecular weight polymers which allow for easy penetration.
• It is highly soluble in water which also aides in easier penetration.
• It does not break down in acid conditions.
• Artefacts that may need to be re-glued can be once the wood has dried.
• It will not add significant weight.
• Treated wood is not sensitive to humidity or temperature changes.
• SP-11 will not darken the wood leaving it looking more natural.

Bulk drums are available, please contact us for more information.

More information in ‘Specification’ tab below