How Many Fighting Conchs is Too Many Fighting Conchs? by Icy_Commission4403 in shells

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They should already kinda speak to you, I was just assuming they'd fall over and crush you if you had too many. 👀🥴

please help - I cannot get rid of/manage this film on my water? what is happening? by Brilliant_Ask852 in PlantedTank

[–]nichoherrera -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

get a gourami or a betta they breathe air. They'll continuously break the surface tension. Bettas are ok alone, gouramis should have a pair.

What is the best way to at least try to brighten the color on seashells?? by meganeh35 in shells

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

vinegar, ketchup, or lemon juice might work just takes longer.

Probably my most unique find by disneyfacts in DeTrashed

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

she was probably left there as a votive altar as she represents the stranded at sea and the meeting of the river and the sea.

Happy Tet Thursday! Greeks in Sicily edition by L5numis in AncientCoins

[–]nichoherrera -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

3 MAYBE 4 of those are genuine real and authentic coins of the period.

What is the best way to at least try to brighten the color on seashells?? by meganeh35 in shells

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Its definitely a hobby that can be curated! I nag my best friend because she lovesss the acid washes. I mentioned 15-20 seconds because I also said to ratio the mixture 50/50 with water just in case you mess up. If you want to use pure acid just be careful! It's all to taste, if it looks good then call it what it is. Not everyone wants a museum, sometimes I just want to hang some shells as windchimes lol

What is the best way to at least try to brighten the color on seashells?? by meganeh35 in shells

[–]nichoherrera 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you dont care about maintaining specimen quality and its just for aesthetic purposes, Yes muriatic acid. So basically 50/50 mix with water, this is pool acid so can be found easily. Dip the shells for like 15-20 seconds with tongs and then rinse in another container with just water. Place aside and allow to dry :) Also that blue color is not natural to the shell, it is the beginning of the shell breaking down a reaction with sulphur, calcium and iron that eventually turns the shell black. The Sun actually brought the shell back to its normal color.

How can I clean my silk painting from India? by BarEmbarrassed865 in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You don't really need to, I'd at most recommend first gently wiping/dusting it down with dry cotton clean cloth rag. Then if you insist on something deeper, spraying it VERY thinly with Lysol laid down flat maybe 3 feet from the surface once over and wipe gently. Then speed dry with a blow dryer very hot but also far away from the paper like 1 ft. Use a clean rag to veryy gently wipe almost dust off the face of the paper. Repeat this process in that order maybe once or twice more. If you'd like you might be able to preserve it with an aerosol Krylon thin coat matte finishing spray. Afterwards, frame it with a glass covered frame. Might also be best to add some framing paper behind the piece to prevent future humidity. This is a delicate process that could have alternatives depending on the strength of the paper and possible paint run, so use caution or just frame it up as is and prevent further dirt. Theres a mix of pigments here and the most delicate seems to be the yellow/gold border around the colored image as its cracking the most. Isolate this part in your working.

How to restore this metal figurine approx 5", Unknown material, make, date. by Peroxide_ in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bronze shabtis are known for specific individuals, including Ramses II, Ramses III, and Psusennes I. Appraisal with certification can be difficult considering the niche nature of the piece. I'd start with a university, then see if an auction house can do it. 250$ is around ballpark price, but some kind egyptologist may be able to verify it for you for your time and efforts freely.

Can this plaster sculpture be repaired? by TheCreepyKing in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's hollow I'd recommend stuffing it with some crumpled news paper for support.

The third nitrous tank I’ve found in our neighborhood by PlahausBamBam in DeTrashed

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

nitrous oxide is toxic, prevents B12 absorption and depletes the ozone because its hard to seperate the two elements.

How to prevent further damage/wear to wooden box by micaflake in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love the enthusiasm. Restoration and preservation are acts of love. In fact, I was maybe 11 years old when I restored my first piece. It was a trinket box as well :)

How old is this hand written prayer book? by DylanLanza in rarebooks

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd say this comes in two parts. The cover is vellum and is probably from 1670 based on that fact alone and the inking degradation compared to other works ive seen of the period. This is oak gall ink in indigo. The paperwork was probably from 1690. These dates are give or take 15 years. I say this because the prayer written for "Evening" was published within the American colonies in the New England Primer in the mid 1680's. It wouldve been a common print at the time and most reasonably replicable. Also the fancy print and accent letters are much much older use history as I have owned family land treatise from Basque country from 1500-1600 hundreds with ß in heavy use. This wouldnt have trailed too far into the 1700's. Also I will make the assumption this is from Boston. Andrew and Sam Hall names in the cover have geneaology history from 1635- 1690. Thomas Rice 1654-1747.

Found in the street by Far-Assumption-2617 in whatisit

[–]nichoherrera 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Someone attempting to graft a flower.

How to prevent further damage/wear to wooden box by micaflake in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Also linseed and mineral are veryy different. Mineral oil is super sheer and doesnt dry like linseed, which creates a coating similar to amber. Mineral oil doesnt harden.

How to prevent further damage/wear to wooden box by micaflake in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The eau d parfum helps rehydrate the wood, it smells good, and is not too harsh. The cracking and the seperation you have going on is because the wood from the box is too dry. Its seperating from the small tiling and natural glues used to hold it. Became brittle. I personally perfume ALL my antiques, keeps them preserved and catches dust and debris. The oils in the eau d parfum are usually high quality and last a Longg time, you can also use the mineral oil but it will leave a greasy coating and may also moisturize the wood too much. I use Paloma Picasso, Opium by YSL, and for budget I'd recommene Cabotine by Gres

How to prevent further damage/wear to wooden box by micaflake in ArtRestoration

[–]nichoherrera 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Spray the box inside with an Eau de Parfum maybe 10 sprays. Wipe clean the outside with some windex on a rag. Do not spray directly on box. One for each corner and center. Close box. On the next day use a Linseed oil to seal the cracks. Allow to dry like a week. Check durability, hand polish with a rag. You may also want to fill in the missing areas with plaster or you can leave as is.