The glass needed cleaning, dehydrating and consolidating before research could begin. It was cleaned by a combination of chemical and mechanical means. Rinsing and ultrasonic cleaning was followed by immersion in a dilute formic acid solution where necessary to remove the more stubborn dirt and surface concretions.

Experiments into techniques which could be employed to stabilise the glass were carried out and included the use of synthetic resins. Some techniques proved more successful than others, and in some cases costs and health risks had to be taken into account. In the end, a technique involving dehydration using acetone followed by consolidation using Paraloid B72 (an acrylic resin) was used. Most of the glass responded well to the treatment given.

The conserved glass was packaged on strong acid-free cardboard trays, cushioned with cotton muslin, and stacked in archival boxes. When the collection was re-examined 10 years later it had not deteriorated further and was still available for further study.