Wood carvers employ a meticulous, multi-step process to breathe new life into damaged or aged wooden sculptures. The restoration begins with a thorough assessment of the piece, identifying cracks, missing sections, insect damage, and surface deterioration. Professionals carefully clean the sculpture using soft brushes, specialized wood cleaners, or gentle solvents to remove decades of grime without harming the original surface.

For structural repairs, carvers use reversible adhesives like hide glue for joining separated pieces, ensuring future conservators can undo the repairs if needed. Missing elements are recreated using matching wood species, with craftsmen carefully studying the original carving style to maintain artistic integrity. Small cracks may be filled with wax or resin mixtures tinted to match the surrounding wood.

Surface stabilization often involves consolidating flaking paint or finishes with appropriate conservators' products. For valuable antique pieces, restorers aim to preserve as much original material as possible while making repairs visually seamless. The final steps may include careful toning of repaired areas to match patina and applying protective finishes that don't alter the wood's natural appearance.

Throughout the process, professional restorers document each intervention, maintaining the sculpture's historical value while ensuring its preservation for future generations. The best restorations balance structural integrity with respect for the artwork's original character and aging process.