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Over 20 cross section samples were taken to explore the paint history on panels throughout the car. See results in the examination report. 

Detail of stencil decoration motif from 1963 restoration. Green staining was associated with stenciled elements found to be copper-based through elemental analysis. 

While taking cross section samples it became clear that there were two different substrates. A magnet was used to confirm the location of ferrous metal panels versus fiberboard. After plotting the location of metal versus fiberboard panels, the types of condition issues clearly correlated with the type of substrate as seen above in the diagram.

Detail of existing losses on a fiberboard panel. Previous intervention involved applying a primer over losses as an attempt to stabilize lifting paint.

Detail of losses with lifting edges on a metal panel. 

Detail of craquelure and tenting paint on a fiberboard panel

Image of panel in Stateroom 1. These panels are in good condition and are not being treated as part of this project. 

Example of workspace during consolidation treatment. Treatment was completed during the winter season while the private car exhibition was closed to the public. Hot photo lamps and a space heater were used to warm the space and help the paint relax easier. 

Detail of lifting paint on fiberboard panel. 

Same detail after consolidation with BEVA and gentle heat applied with a small electric spatula. 

Detail of flaking paint along the top edge of fiberboard panel

Same detail after consolidation

Here I am applying dilute BEVA consolidant with a fine sable brush. 

detail of panel in dining room before consolidation

same detail of panel in dining room after consolidation

Detail of area where an exploratory hole was drilled out in the fiberboard panel to explore the support structure behind the panels. 

Image of metal panel in west hallway at the beginning of the project, October 2015

Detail of same metal panel in west hallway at end of Phase II, June 2016. Note new lifting paint. 

Varnish tests performed on metal panel in dining room

Panel in observation room after consolidation 

same panel in observation room after applying B-72 isolating varnish

Observation room panel after paint consolidation 

same observation room panel after varnishing

Detail of panel in west hallway after consolidation

same panel in west hallway after varnishing

Dining room panel after consolidation 

same dining room panel after varnishing

Dining room panel after consolidation

Same dining room panel after varnishing. The stencil decoration on the surface of this panel had different solvent sensitivities than the other panels, likely due to previous repainting. Golden MSA glossy varnish was applied as the isolating varnish because it could be delivered in mineral spirits, which did not affect the stenciling. 

Evidence of paint removal prior to the 1963 restoration campaign was found on panels in the east hallway. These panels do not exhibit the same level of damage as the other metal panels which have more layers of paint and internal stresses. 

Metal panel in west hallway before aesthetic compensation in Phase III

Metal panel in dining room before aesthetic compensation in Phase III

Read more about how paint analysis led to these final treatment decisions HERE.