Question

Guidelines for the Restoration of Historic Timber Structures:

To ensure structural integrity and historical accuracy when restoring timber joints, the conservator must adhere to the following protocol. First, carefully clean the joint area using a dry brass-wire brush to remove loose debris, taking care not to scratch the sound wood. Once the surface is clear, apply a bio-based timber preservative to the exposed grain and wait at least twenty-four hours for it to cure fully. Only after the preservative has cured should the epoxy consolidant be mixed and applied to fill structural voids. Prior to injecting the consolidant, however, the operator must secure a temporary clamp around the joint to prevent leakage. Finally, after the consolidant has hardened, remove the clamp and sand the surface flush with the original timber profile.

According to the guidelines, which action must the conservator perform immediately after the timber preservative has cured but before injecting the epoxy consolidant?