Post #348856 by christiki295 on Tue, Dec 11, 2007 7:49 AM

This one article describes that a conference resulted in the following preservation steps:

According to the experimental results we propose the following steps to consolidate the Moai statues:

1. Constructive protection against rainwater

2. Cleaning of the surface

3. Treatment with agents to reduce the hygric dilatation

4. Covering of the surface with a poultice

5. Drying of the stone over a period of several month.

6. Treatment at first with low concentrated followed by higher concentrated silicate esters solutions.

7. Closing of cracks and holes (Restorer).

Before the consolidation of a re-erected statue it is suggested to check the whole procedure at selected Moai fragments.

http://www.islandheritage.org/conference_files/conferenceIII.html