DialRestorations

Clock dial repair involves restoration of the dial to original condition by conservation techniques. Before beginning a clock dial restoration, detailed photos are taken to record all the original features of the dial.  The first step in a dial restoration is a thorough cleaning, which is done out of absolute necessity. The dial has to be able to withstand the cleaning process. If it can't, then it's not a candidate for restoration because it is unworkable. However, one of the reasons I require preliminary photos is to determine this; I have had to inform a few that the deterioration was so bad that the dial was not a good candidate for restoration.  Dial repair is similar to doing surgery: a good surgeon can provide a prognosis and do a wonderful job, but even the best surgeon cannot give a 100% guarantee of outcome - and if he is honest he will say that in some cases surgery is inadvisable.

This is followed by removal of loose, flaking paint, and retaining and stabilizing existing paint. Then the color must be matched and replacement of lost paint is done. In the final stages missing and faded characters are repainted. Dial restoration is a very time consuming process in both the skill required and in the time needed for paint to dry. The final step is the application of a sealant to protect the completed artwork.

Every clock dial in need of restoration has its own particular set of problems. The various cases depicted in the photo gallery are representative of some of the more challenging and complicated dial restorations I have accomplished.