Paintings on Gatorboard

We are in the process of collecting two recently painted oil
paintings executed on Gator Board. One painted directly, the other
has canvas mounted on it, then painted. At this point we do not know
the details of the artist's surface preparation methods or
materials. Gator Board is described as a rigid polystyrene foam core
laminated between two face veneers of resin-impregnated wood fiber
for use in displays, photo mounting, etc. We are wondering if anyone
has any experience with its longevity, rate of deterioration, or its
use in fine art making. Can it be dented easily and what are the
alternatives to treat? Will the resin/wood fiber veneer break down
and if so how? What can be done to slow down its deterioration?

David Turnbull
Assistant Conservator
Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Ave Pkwy
Denver CO 80204


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:36
               Distributed: Wednesday, December 19, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-36-013
                                  ***