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Need advice

Stone Conversations : Archive 9 : Message 00069

From: John Graham <john@zzzzzzzzz>
Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2005 18:11:56 -0500
Subject: Need advice

Steve--

1. Alpha-cyanoacrylate (super glue) is the most viscous, and will flow
best into a thin crack. It is strong. It is also hygroscopic, and will
eventually soak up atmospheric water and dissolve. Coatings are at best
99% effective, and do little to retard hygroscopic dissolution.

2. Epoxy and almost all other glues are too viscous (thick) to flow into
the crack.

Now to answer your real question. Others may disagree, of course.

1. A cracked or broken sculpture is just that. Hiding damage is
dishonest. leave the crack, or break out a piece of the arch. Many
arches of antiquity are broken. If the look is realistic (not just the
capstone missing ...) then the artwork will look good and be honest.

2. Learn from the experience. Did your carving crack the rock? Was there
a flaw? Did the capricious deities just punish your hubris? Who knows--
only you.

Now, my opinion -- never glue, never wax, never repair. Stone is honesty.

--John

--
GRAHAM, John

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