Equipment for Restorers

Restoration covers cleaning, protection, consolidation and finishing. The collection includes consolidating impregnating agents for concrete and stone, water repellents for masonry against rising damp, lime-based mortars and tools such as mallets, gouges and nail pullers. Crack gauges are also available for monitoring existing cracks. Before starting work, assess the substrate: its material, state of preservation and the causes of deterioration.

For rising damp you need waterproofing water repellents designed for masonry, which differ from the exterior impregnating treatments made for wood and facades. The product works on the capillaries of the material and reduces water absorption. Before choosing, identify the cause of the damp, because a surface treatment will not fix a drainage or water ingress problem.

A consolidating impregnating agent penetrates the substrate and strengthens its surface, whereas a water repellent protects it from water. Apply it to a clean, dry surface, following the manufacturer's dosage and timing, by brush, roller or spray. Wear chemical-resistant gloves and goggles, and keep the safety data sheet required by the CLP Regulation.

Wood restoration calls for router bits with a shank that suits the router and multifunction drills with accessories. For example, the set of 6 router bits with 6 mm shank needs a machine with a 6 mm collet. Choose the bit diameter according to the profile you want to produce. For delicate areas it is best to work at reduced speed with light passes, to avoid burning or chipping the wood.

A heat gun softens paint and residues so they can be removed with a scraper without using harsh solvents. Adjust the temperature to the type of paint and keep the air moving so the wood does not overheat. Do not use it near flammable materials, and let the tool cool down before putting it away.

Antique furniture calls for small, low-impact tools: wooden mallets for striking without marking, nail pullers for removing nails without damaging the substrate, and gouges and bush hammers for precision work. The catalogue has nail pullers for upholsterers, shoemakers and tacks, each with a different shape. The shape of the head determines the grip, so choose according to the job.

It is used by restorers, building renovation contractors, joiners and technicians who refurbish existing buildings. It is needed to clean facades, consolidate stone and concrete, protect wood from woodworm, polish metals and finish surfaces. For listed buildings or buildings of special architectural value, it is best to ask a specialist for an assessment before choosing products and tools.