The selection of a method for the restoration treatment of archaeological objects directly depends on their condition. The selection of an adequate method for the restoration of lead objects is complicated by the need to choose between the preservation of the material substance of the object and its historical appearance. All currently known methods of stabilizing active corrosion on archaeological lead inevitably result in the loss of all mineral crusts and oxide films, which negatively affects the perception of the objects and distorts their his­torical appearance. The classification of the preservation states of lead objects and a review of the restoration methods proposed in the paper are designed to aid restorers in the minimization of possible negative conse­quences when developing a restoration strategy.