Cave Restoration Workshop

CAVE RESTORATION WORKSHOP Jonathan B. Beard, NSS 21408-RL (CO-FE)

OUTLINE I. Definition of Cave Restoration A. What it is, what it isn’t B. What can be done, what cannot be done

II. Trash (garbage) A. Is it historical? B. Separating recyclables and non-recyclables C. Choosing the right container

III. Graffiti (rock art) A. Checking for prehistoric/historic rock art, natural patina B. Removal of spray paint 1. Tools of the trade a. Brushes, scrapers, cordless power tools b. Sprayers (squirt bottles, pressure sprayers) c. Chemicals (hydrogen peroxide, muriatic acid) i. PPE, toweling, water rinse, bucket C. Removal of etched graffiti 1. Tools of the trade a. Brushes, scrapers, cordless power tools b. Sprayers (squirt bottles, pressure sprayers) D. Masking

IV. Mud stains A. Removal of mud 1. Tools of the trade a. Brushes, scrapers b. Sprayers (squirt bottles, pressure sprayers) B. Removal of stains by etching 1. Tools of the trade a. Brushes, scrapers, cordless power tools b. Chemicals (muriatic acid) i. PPE, toweling, water rinse, bucket

of 2 V. Speleothem Reattachment A. Stalagmite repair (gravity is on YOUR side) The hard part is finding the match (world’s largest jigsaw puzzle!) 1. Tools of the trade a. 2-part epoxy (ideal properties—thixotropic, white or clear) b. Stirring cup, stirring stick, desposable gloves c. Paper shop toweling d. Let gravity do its thing B. Stalactite repair (gravity is your enemy!) The hard part is finding the match! 1. Tools of the trade a. Cordless drill with ideal drill bits b. Collection cup for drill powder c. Stainless steel or galvanized steel all-thread (Type A repair) d. Stainless steel wire (Type B repair) e. Small hacksaw f. 2-part epoxy g. Stirring cup, stirring stick, desposable gloves h. Paper shop toweling i. Spring clamp

VI. Floor restoration A. No more boot quagmires! 1. Determine what it should look like—look at surroundings 2. Tools of the trade a. Rake b. Squeegee c. Hoe d. Shovel e. Scrapers, brushes f. Sculpt, mold and shape until it looks natural