RESTORATION PROCESS

Decoys are subject to use and wear over years of service  and many have been subjected to extreme weather and temperature swings. Most antique decoys needing restoration are generally 75 to 150 years old.   Exposure to the elements adds to their charm and produces the wonderful patina that gives them their time tested charm, and some wear is to be expected.
Generally, the best policy regarding restoration is to leave the object alone. Unless there is a distracting or detracting flaw that makes an otherwise desirable object unappealing, I recommend that you do not restore folk art or decoys. Minor losses or flaws that are the result of normal wear -- minor dings and chips, scratches, small shot holes etc. are best left alone.
More extreme damage however can require restoration work to make a decoy presentable.  When this is the case repairs should be made to match the existing style and patina.  Bill has worked on the restoration of some of the finest and best known decoys and decoy collections in the country and has the ability to “age” the restorations and create the patina of times gone by.