The original building of the National Association of the Daughters of the American Revolution was built as their DC headquarters, but also as a memorial to the founding fathers.  One of many embellishments in the building is a pair of sterling silver plaques to commemorate the Declaration of Independence.  The top plaque is a bas-relief reproduction of the Jonathan Trumbull painting of the presentation of the draft to Congress, and the larger bottom plaque is an incised reproduction of the document itself.

To prevent tarnishing of the silver, the plaque had been coated in a clear varnish, but over the years that varnish had yellowed and become cloudy.  WEI’s conservator performed several material tests to determine the best way to remove the varnish and not damage the plaque or remove the black material used in the lettering of the text and the texture of the sculpted scene.  Previous painted areas were removed at this time as well.

Once the procedure was established, the team removed the varnish and gently cleaned a few areas that had become tarnished.  The plaques were then sprayed with a clear metal lacquer to preserve the finish.