Sealants for stained and leaded glass

Nzilani Glass Conservation, in conjunction with the Decorative Arts
and Sculpture Conservation Department of the J. Paul Getty Museum,
is conducting research on alternatives to traditional linseed oil
based sealants (e.g. putty, cement, mastic) for stained and leaded
glass windows in a museum environment. Since these types of pieces
no longer require weather-proofing as one of their criteria, our
main goal will be that of physical stabilization for installation
and exhibition.

We are particularly interested in "conservation-grade" putty-type
solutions, both tested and untested, that conservators have
considered and/or used, perhaps even for other types of objects. The
gap filler should have the following criteria:

    Malleability: The sealant must provide uniform support
    underneath both sides of the lead flange, while accommodating
    the contour of the void created by the glass, lead flange and
    surrounding original putty/cement. Continued malleability of the
    fill over time is essential, but it should be thick enough to
    not slump or seep onto the glass surface after application.

    Chemical Inertness: The sealant should not react with existing
    putties/cement, the lead, glass paint, or the glass, and should
    not deteriorate over time. Additions of colorants to color-match
    the new sealant to the original should not affect the working
    properties.

    Reversibility: The sealant should remain fully removable either
    through mechanical means or with low-toxicity solvents, without
    interacting with the glass or glass paint.

Any suggestions are welcome,

Ariana Makau, Owner
Nzilani Glass Conservation
Studio and Mailbox#113
2703 7th Street
Berkeley CA 94710-2651
510-821-2742


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:56
                  Distributed: Saturday, June 4, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-18-56-028
                                  ***