Flaking oil paint on paper

Kate Lowry <kate.lowry [at] nmgw__ac__uk> writes

>We are currently trying to devise a treatment for a late 18th
>century oil on paper. The dark areas of paint have been coated with
>a resin or gum by the artist to improve saturation of the colour.
>This has resulted in the development of a fine cracklure in these
>areas accompanied by minute flaking and paint loss.
>
>We are hoping to consolidate the paint and prevent further paint
>loss, but it is impossible to touch the paint surface without
>causing further damage. So far we have tried the application of CMC
>in water and methylated spirit using a nebuliser. However very
>slight blanching occurred in the small area we treated, suggesting
>that the use of this adhesive in these solvents are not suitable for
>this work. Does anyone have any experience of treating a work with
>this kind of problem and/or suggestions as to other
>adhesives/solvent systems we might try, bearing in mind that it
>would need to be suitable for use in a nebuliser.

I have found that consolidating with Japanese algae funori, which
could be diluted and placed in the nebuliser, is quite effective but
is even better if you have access to a vacuum table.  The
effectiveness depends of the thickness of paint layer.  Also,
consult with paintings conservator. They consolidate paint by facing
with tissue, and [pulling] purified animal glue through it (you
could consider gelatine), with local application of moderate heat to
aid penetration and then they remove the facing paper by humidifying
it.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:52
                 Distributed: Sunday, February 1, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-17-52-004
                                  ***