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Treatment; 14 Mar 2011; Light clean and consolidation of fragile paint layers; Stone, Wall Paintings, Mosaics

Reason: Loan
Description: To prevent further loss of the wax/pigment certain areas were consolidated (see DA records). Also, areas of movement or weakness in the limestone were also consolidated. A solution of 1.75% Mowital B30H (PVB) in 50/50 Acetone/IMS was used in multiple applications, between 2-3 time to secure these areas. To remove surface dirt and handling grease the areas were swabbed with saliva. This method worked well, without causing damage to the limestone, the wax, or the pigments. (The areas of white paint and gesso, were not cleaned as tested showed they were too fragile for any wet cleaning) As a precaution some areas around fragile sections of the limestone and pigment were supported with a mixture of Glass Micro-balloons in Paraloid B-72 in 3:1 Acetone: IMS. These supports were then toned in using acrylic paints.
Details: Treatment