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Treatment; 04 Mar 2015; Consolidate loose bitumen on the reverse of the brick; Ceramics & Glass

Reason: Permanent Exhibition
Description: Attempted to consolidate using 10-20% Paraloid B72 (ethyl methacrylate copolymer) in 70:30 Acetone (propan-1-one/dimethyl ketone): Industrial methylated spirits (ethanol, methanol), applied with a glass micro-pipette. Removed excess adhesive with Acetone applied on a soft brush and a watchmaker's puffer to reduce the staining of the consolidant. Reapplied consolidant several times until the loose areas were stable. This consolidant was staining the bitumen and softening it and was insatisfactory. In consultation with an Organic conservator, changed adhesive to Primal B60A in de-ionised water. Flooded the area to be consolidated with White Spirit (composition variable - petroleum distillate), applied the adhesive with a small sable brush and allowed it to flow into the cracks. The adhesive doesn't soak into the bitumen, it on'y goes bewteen the cracks. Re-applied consolidant until all of the areas were stable.
Details: Treatment