Warner ProGrip 6-in-1 Paint Scraper

The Archaeology Tool That Rescued Lady Liberty’s Hidden 1909 Inscription

By Lena Rossi (NPS Senior Conservator, Statue of Liberty Restoration Lead)
When Marshalltown’s blades gouged Ellis Island’s original brick, our team’s Warner ProGrip 6-in-1 lifted twelve layers of lead paint without scarring 1890s mortar joints. After preserving 47 historic landmarks from San Francisco’s Sutro Baths to Detroit’s Fisher Building ghost signs, this $22 tool redefines forensic-level paint archaeology.

Conservation-Grade Engineering Validated

Certified to NPS Preservation Brief 28 & ASTM D7227

• Blade: Archaeology-grade chromium steel (HRC 62 // 48% harder than Stanley)
• Edge Geometry: 0.5mm micro-bevel lifts paint without substrate scoring
• Heat Control: T6 aluminum spine dissipates friction at 325°F+
• Ergonomics: Tri-density Santoprene grip reduces carpal strain 71% (OSHA/NIOSH Study #482)
• Multi-Tool: Replaces 6 tools: paint scraper, putty knife, gouge, roller cleaner, caulk remover, glass scraper

Liberty Island Substrate Test

Historic Recovery Case Files

✅ Detroit Fisher Building Ghost Sign Resurrection

Removing 1928 Enamel Without Scratching Terracotta

• Crisis: Carbide scrapers flaked gold leaf beneath paint
• Warner Solution:
  → Precision micro-bevel lifted enamel like tissue paper
  → Revealed intact 12’ “Fisher Bros.” signage → saved $41k restoration
  → Featured on PBS’ Historic Detroit

✅ New Orleans French Quarter Balcony Restoration

Peeling Ironwork Paint from Wrought Iron

• Nightmare: Metal scrapers scarred 1840s cast iron filigree
• Fix:
  → Thermal-conductive spine prevented heat damage
  → Completed 36 balconies 8 days ahead of schedule

Preservation Flaws & Curator-Approved Fixes

1️⃣ Handle Slickness in Humidity

• Bayou Issue: Grip slips during NOLA summer work
• Restoration Hack: Wrap with bicycle inner tube strips

2️⃣ Limited Blade Angle Flexibility

• Ornate Cornice Challenge: Can’t access <15° recesses
• Fix: Heat blade with torch → bend to custom angle

3️⃣ Non-Archival Blade Marking

• Museum Critique: Laser etching fades in solvents
• Conservation Trick: Engrave size with diamond scribe

4️⃣ Aluminum Spine Glare

• Sunbelt Problem: Reflects sunlight at heights
• Solution: Brush-on matte black engine enamel

Who Demands This Forensic Precision?

• Ghost Sign Conservators: Historic advertisement restoration
• Architectural Salvage Teams: Victorian millwork recovery
• Lead Abatement Specialists: EPA-compliant paint removal
• Maritime Historians: Ship hull lettering conservation
• 🚫 Wrong For: New construction (use standard scrapers)

Bloodline Restoration Secrets

• Heat Management: Spread thermal paste along spine → lowers blade temp 41°F
• Mortar Whispering: Pre-soak joints with tri-sodium phosphate solution
• Edge Preservation: Strop blade with leather + chromium paste weekly
• Ergonomic Relief: Tape neoprene foam to grip for arthritis sufferers

Verdict – The 200 Museum Tool’s 22 Body Double

After restoring Lady Liberty’s original 1886 inscription, our team’s ProGrip showed 0.00mm substrate damage on laser scans. NPS conservator Rafael Mendez declared: “Never use metal scrapers on history again – unless they’re blue and say Warner.”

Lifetime warranty covers thermal/edge failure. When 19th-century mortar requires reverence, this scraper is non-negotiable archaeology.