Fondsites Diagnostics
Repair & Materials
Material Care Diagnostic
Match common material symptoms to gentle first checks and what to avoid before using harsh products.
Material care begins with identifying the material and symptom. A cleaner that helps plastic can damage leather; a rust approach for cast iron may be wrong for a plated object.
Start with the gentlest reversible check and test in a hidden area when the material is uncertain.
Interactive Diagnostic
Material Care Diagnostic
Select the closest symptom and context. The output is a cautious first test, not a certain diagnosis.
Diagnostic output
Choose the closest symptom to see likely causes and a first reversible test.
Symptom, Cause, Action Table
| Symptom | Possible cause | First action |
|---|---|---|
| Dryness or cracking | Lost oils, finish failure, UV, or age. | Clean gently and test a compatible conditioner or finish plan. |
| Rust or corrosion | Moisture exposure, bare metal, seasoning loss, or coating failure. | Dry, identify metal, and remove only light corrosion first. |
| Stain | Absorbed dye, oil, tannin, pigment, or heat-set residue. | Blot or test in a hidden area before chemistry. |
| Sticky residue | Adhesive, degraded coating, oil, or cleaner buildup. | Use mild cleaner before solvents. |
Fast checks
- Identify the material and finish before picking a cleaner.
- Test hidden areas when color, coating, or fiber is uncertain.
- Remove loose dust and grit before rubbing.
- Let wet materials dry safely before judging the final surface.
What not to change yet
- Do not use harsh solvents on unknown plastic, leather, finishes, or fabric.
- Do not sand, bleach, or polish plated and finished surfaces before identification.
- Do not seal in moisture or odor with oils, waxes, or coatings.
Assumptions and limitations
This page gives first-care direction, not restoration guarantees.
Valuable, antique, electrical, structural, or sentimental objects may need a conservator or specialist.