Course in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces
Online 300 h course in chemical conservation of metal surfaces. 6 modules covering EN 15898 (conservation of cultural heritage, general terms), EN 16853 (conservation process: decision, planning and execution) and ImageJ. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces — studying from New Zealand
Vehicle restoration and classic engine work in New Zealand is supported by an active enthusiast community and a well-established network of specialist workshops, particularly around the main centres. Historic vehicle registration and compliance fall under the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand promotes preservation of historic vehicles. Restoration professionals often combine fabrication, engineering and heritage conservation skills.
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,080 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in New Zealand
Typical roles
Questions from New Zealand
Is restoration engineering recognised by a professional body in New Zealand?
There is no specific statutory register for classic vehicle or heritage restoration engineers in New Zealand. Heritage matters can involve Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, and vehicle roadworthiness is governed by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by any national body, so their value depends on the employer or client.
Where do classic restoration specialists work in New Zealand?
Work is found in independent restoration workshops, classic car dealers, museums, and specialist fabrication businesses, many clustered around the main centres. Clients and employers usually judge by workmanship and a portfolio of completed restorations. A private qualification may complement that evidence but is rarely a deciding factor on its own.
Can I study this while running or working in a workshop here?
Yes. The course is fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home in New Zealand without a student visa. Specialist courses total 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. An assigned technical tutor supports you, and fees can be paid in instalments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Differentiate conservation criteria from restoration criteria on metal surfaces.
Diagnose the type and condition of corrosion on metals of historic vehicles.
Apply minimal, controlled and documented cleaning methods.
Select corrosion inhibitors compatible with each alloy.
Apply reversible protective coatings and assess their effectiveness.
Control the environment to reduce the rate of corrosion.
Draw up a periodic monitoring plan for treated surfaces.
Who it's for
- Conservator-restorer of metals who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Historic vehicle conservation technician who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Automobile collection manager who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Metal component restorer who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Conservation laboratory technician who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Preventive conservation adviser who wants to specialise in Chemical Conservation of Metal Surfaces.
- Graduates in engineering or science looking to enter automobile museums.
What you'll work with
- EN 15898 (conservation of cultural heritage, general terms)
- EN 16853 (conservation process: decision, planning and execution)
- ISO 9223 (corrosivity of atmospheres)
- EN 16095 (condition recording of movable cultural heritage)
- ISO 4628 (assessment of degradation of coatings)
- Reglamento (CE) n.º 1907/2006 (REACH)
- Reglamento (CE) n.º 1272/2008 (CLP)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Conservation versus restoration1.2Heritage conservation criteria1.3Stabilising without altering the surface1.4Patina and its documentary value1.5Reversibility as a principle1.6Assessing the condition of a surface1.7Prior documentation and recording1.8Materials found in a vehicle1.9Conservation standards and references1.10Workshop: conservation report for a component
2.1Identifying the metal and its alloy2.2Corrosion products and how to read them2.3Active versus stabilised corrosion2.4Measuring humidity and chlorides2.5Observation with magnifier and microscope2.6Analysis of layers and coatings2.7Standardised photographic recording2.8Condition records per component2.9Prioritising interventions2.10Practice: diagnosis of three different surfaces
3.1Gentle mechanical cleaning3.2Cleaning with neutral solvents3.3Chelating agents and their localised application3.4Removal of chlorides3.5Non-abrasive methods3.6Protecting labels and markings3.7Testing in a hidden area3.8Documenting each step3.9When to stop3.10Practice: controlled cleaning of a component
4.1Tannins and their action4.2Phosphating and passivation4.3Vapour-phase inhibitors4.4Benzotriazole for copper and brass4.5Compatibility between treatments4.6Duration of effect4.7Risk of altering appearance4.8Efficacy testing4.9Record of product applied4.10Practice: stabilisation of a corroded surface
5.1Microcrystalline waxes5.2Protective oils5.3Reversible varnishes5.4Acrylic coatings5.5Application and thickness5.6Reversibility and removal5.7Visual effect of each option5.8Durability and renewal5.9Choice according to the component's exposure5.10Practice: application and comparison of coatings
6.1Relative humidity and its control6.2Temperature and cycles6.3Environmental pollutants6.4Inert storage materials6.5Covers, boxes and supports6.6Periodic inspection programme6.7Indicators of renewed corrosion6.8Training collection staff6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: conservation plan for metal surfaces
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 ImageJ, advanced Excel (corrosion monitoring), Collective Access, HOBOware (environmental logging), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures: cleaning trials on test areas, monitoring of corrosion coupons, application of inhibitors and microcrystalline waxes. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Differentiate conservation criteria from restoration criteria on metal surfaces.
Diagnose the type and condition of corrosion on metals of historic vehicles.
Apply minimal, controlled and documented cleaning methods.
Select corrosion inhibitors compatible with each alloy.
Apply reversible protective coatings and assess their effectiveness.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level 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.
You will work with ImageJ, advanced Excel (corrosion monitoring), Collective Access, HOBOware (environmental logging). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
SEIUM's own diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It 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 higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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