The panel was exposed to flood water and high
humidity which caused expansion cracks and
discoloration.

TREATMENT

Expansion cracks were in-filled with balsa wood.
In-filled sections were secured with animal hide
glue to one side of the interior of the open gaps.
In-filled splints were then trimmed to match profile
of existing surface. Balsa wood in-filled sections
were then toned to match oak color. After all areas
of infill were secure and toned, all surfaces of the
panel were cleaned to remove old wax, oil
residues, and other foreign materials.
After cleaning the panel was then coated with
a micro crystal wax for surface protection and
buffed to an even luster. In addition to the panel
conservation, it was recommended that a metal
frame be fabricated to aid in the reduction of any
future expansion movement and for hanging
support. The frame allows for the panel to be held
in a state of appropriate compression and reduces
the intervention of wear on the original fabric
of the panel.