That's not the case with lime-based putties that European preservationists use. Like fine wines, those materials may be aged as many as five years before being used. Almost impossible to find in the United States, Waters had samples from the fort analyzed in laboratories and specially formulated patching plaster sent in from Holland. Lime-based plasters give more and do not trap water below the surface. The plaster will be mixed with coquina as workers try to mimic the texture and color of the stone and mortar around the cracks.
Stabilization is a big part of the project.
The key is to keep water from getting in and preventing more cracks down the line. A porous material will cover the surface, giving the deck a more natural look than what it has today. More than 600,000 visitors tour the fort each year, making it the top drawing tourist attraction in the area. Wilson said it is important to the Park Service to keep as much of the structure open to the public as possible. The St. Augustine Record and Morris Digital Works .