ELISABETTA BOSETTI
in adhesion, impregnation and consolidation treatments1. The polymer was applied on all samples in the same way with a small brush helping it to penetrate into the underlying layers by pushing the poly‐ mer into the cavities with small strokes. All treatments had a satisfactory outcome. The results are summarised in Table IV. The consolida‐ tion and impregnation treatment on S1 revealed that the polymer was distributed in a great way on the threads and between the particles of the paint layer. On S2 and S4, where adhesion with heat treatment was needed, the polymer allowed to perform the treatment and flattening of the paint layer with heated spatula at 45‐50 °C main‐ taining satisfactory adhesion properties. On sample S3 the polymer was perfectly lying between the contact surfaces of the paint layer flakes that had to regain the adhesion and on sample S3a the polymer penetrated smoothly into the paint layer crack and filling satisfactory the gap. In the tear mending performance on sample S5, where heat treatment was needed, the polymer allowed to perform impregnation, adhesion and flattening of the paint layer with heated spatula at 45‐50° C maintaining satisfactory adhesion properties. Furthermore, the polymer did not change the appearance of the matte paint layer (Figures 31‐42).
Conclusion The outcome of this study confirms the high ex‐ pectations of an alternative non‐toxic product in aqueous solution. Aquazol is the most versatile
in application and demonstrate a minimal inter‐ action with the constituent materials of the pain‐ tings. These properties are of great advantage espe‐ cially in adhesion or impregnation treatments in which it is highly desirable to control the polymer in the substrates of painted surfaces. However, it is important to note the tendency of this polymer to impose both stiffness and chromatic changes (dark‐ ening) to the materials if they are hygroscopic. Therefore, in a treatment that may include the impregnation of a large area of a painted structure, it may be necessary to assess the risk of having significant chromatic changes that may have subsequent unwanted effects.
Appendix At the author’s current working place, she was able to apply Aquazol on a wide range of materials of museum objects and in different treatments such as stabilization of lacquered and painted wood and consolidation of highly hygroscopic materials (hemp and clay). In the case where materials were strongly hygroscopic and it was not desirable to have a reaction with water, Aquazol was dissolved in Acetone. Aquazol allowed the execution of several treatments showing good properties of compatibility with the different materials in all cases. Acknowledgements The author would like to thank The Danish Art Workshops in Copenhagen (Statens Værksteder for Kunst) for having granted the use of its conserva‐ tion premises where the study took place, and to Mrs. Michela Dell’Anno for proofreading the text.
References 1 The testing was not intended to be a complete treatment,
i.e. following completion of removal of residual polymer from the painted surface and the perfect juxtaposition of the flacks of colour.
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[1] D. Duerbeck, M. McGinn, R. C. Wolbers, “Poly‐ (2‐Ethyl‐2‐Oxazoline): A New Conservation Conso‐ e‐conser vation