Course in “Patina Preservation” Techniques
Online 300-hour course in “patina preservation” techniques. 6 modules covering the Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013), the FIVA Technical Code and Agisoft Metashape. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the philosophy of conservation versus restoration.
Assess and document the original condition of a vehicle.
Stabilise paint and metal without removing the patina.
Conserve original interiors and organic materials.
Maintain functional mechanics with minimal and reversible interventions.
Establish environmental conditions for preventive conservation.
Develop a conservation project for an original vehicle.
Who it's for
- Conservator of original vehicles who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Patina preservation specialist who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Collector advisor who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Class judge for preservation classes at competitions who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Preventive conservation technician who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Restorer of original interiors who wants to specialise in Patina Preservation Techniques.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter private collections.
What you'll work with
- Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013)
- FIVA Technical Code
- EN 16095 (condition reports for movable cultural heritage)
- EN 16853 (conservation process)
- Nara Document on Authenticity (1994)
- EN 15757 (climatic conditions for cultural heritage)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Restoration versus conservation1.2FIVA Turin Charter1.3Historical value of original wear1.4Concept of survivor and preservation class1.5Minimum intervention and reversibility1.6Ethics of the vehicle restorer1.7Market and valuation of originals1.8Documentation as part of the asset1.9Landmark conservation cases1.10Case study: deciding between restoring or conserving
2.1Non-invasive inspection2.2Paint layer stratigraphy2.3Identification of non-original parts2.4Dating of interiors and wiring2.5Recording photography and photogrammetry2.6Thickness and moisture measurement2.7Hidden structural risks2.8Writing the condition report2.9Prioritising interventions2.10Practice: condition report of a survivor
3.1Gentle cleaning without abrasives3.2Stabilisation of surface rust3.3Consolidation of lifting paint3.4Protective microcrystalline waxes3.5Transparent corrosion inhibitors3.6Treatment of pitted chrome3.7Conservation of unpolished aluminium3.8Minimal and discernible retouching3.9Interventions to avoid3.10Workshop: stabilising an oxidised panel
4.1Cleaning and nourishing aged leather4.2Consolidation of fragile fabrics4.3Original carpets and rugs4.4Aged rubber and seals4.5Bakelite and celluloid steering wheels4.6Wood with original varnish4.7Pests and biodeterioration4.8Mould and odour control4.9Discreet replacement of parts4.10Practice: conserving an original seat
5.1Restarting after storage5.2Original mechanics in operation5.3Fluids compatible with old seals5.4Active safety without losing originality5.5Climate-controlled storage5.6Transport and display5.7Driving and technical inspection of historic vehicles5.8Insurance and valuation of originals5.9Long-term conservation plan5.10Case study: usage plan for a survivor
6.1Vehicle selection6.2Historical research6.3Initial condition report6.4Minimum intervention plan6.5Execution of treatments6.6Photographic record of the process6.7Maintenance plan6.8Competition file6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Agisoft Metashape, Elcometer ElcoMaster, Lightroom Classic, CollectiveAccess, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real procedures for assessing the original condition of a vehicle, cleaning trials on test areas, and microclimate control in storage. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the philosophy of conservation versus restoration.
Assess and document the original condition of a vehicle.
Stabilise paint and metal without removing the patina.
Conserve original interiors and organic materials.
Maintain functional mechanics with minimal and reversible interventions.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Agisoft Metashape, Elcometer ElcoMaster, Lightroom Classic and CollectiveAccess. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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