Surface modification of art and patrimonial objects may be considered from very various viewpoints including archaeology, history of techniques, restoration, and conservation. The use of conventional or particular surface techniques has to be adapted to the specific object for possible non-destructive characterisation, non-invasive restoration, or prevention of future degradation. The present paper will first define the intervention field in the laboratory for such issues as surface assessment, techniques of restoration, and conservation recommendations. It will point out the status of patrimonial objects and the authorised range of each scientific investigation. A methodological analysis of various methods for surface characterisation and surface treatments will be proposed. The methods described will be illustrated by some examples: surface assessment of a prestigious museum bronze object, development of a programme for the restoration and conservation of silver museum artefacts, and research in progress on the understanding of the role of the surface in the quality of musical instruments.
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