Getting Started

Please, click here to fill out the form and tell us more about your project. (Due to the required file upload, you must have a Google account to fill out the form.)

1 – Contact and make an appointment to meet with a conservator.

An appointment ensures someone will meet with you and help you move or carry your object. We will prepare a safe place to put your object so it can be unpacked and examined. The conservator will examine your objects and give you a verbal indication of what needs to be done, what can be done, and how much it might cost.

2 –  Decide if you want a proposal and estimate.

If you want to proceed, the conservator will prepare a written list of treatment steps needed and will carry out some initial testing to be sure the methods and materials are safe and effective. The proposal and estimate will be mailed to you. The estimate will include a minimum and maximum cost for time and materials. You will be invoiced for the cost of the proposal and estimate after it is completed ($125 + sales tax, if applicable.

3 – Decide if you want to proceed with treatment and sign the proposal.

Two copies of the proposal and estimate will be sent to you. Read the proposal and estimate. If you do decide to have the work done, sign one copy of the proposal and estimate and send them back to the conservator. This gives the conservator permission to proceed with the treatment. Keep the other copy for your records.

4 – After treatment is completed, you will be billed for the work.

Once payment is received, you can arrange a time to come and pick up your object from the conservator. We will send you photo documentation and a written treatment report for your permanent records.

Please note that each of the labs has a backlog for treatment and items are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. The conservator can give you an approximate idea of when treatment will be completed and can try to work with the necessary deadlines.