Traditional and modern gel-based cleaning procedures on two typical 19th century panel paintings coated with aged natural resin varnishes

Angelina Bakalarou, Charis Theodorakopoulos

    Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper is about the adjustment of the synthesis of established polyacrylate gel recipes to enable the efficient cleaning procedures employed for the removal of soils and degraded varnishes from two 19th century egg tempera and gilded panel paintings. Adjustments of the chemical properties, such as the polarity and the dispersion of the incorporated organic solvents as well as the physical properties of the gel systems, such as viscoelasticity, influenced the efficacy of the treatments. The highlight of this work was the partial removal of a surface coating over a delicate painted varnish on gilded substrate, which did not damage the original stratigraphy of the artwork. Implementation aspects are discussed and the issues of adaption of this technology in professional practice are further explored.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusAccepted/In press - 26 May 2015
    EventConservation of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Reviews - Athens
    Duration: 26 May 2015 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceConservation of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Reviews
    Period26/05/15 → …

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