Microclimate frames

The enclosure of paintings in their decorative frame is widely
practiced in many Institutions and Museums in order to protect
paintings during display, storage and transportation. I am currently
researching microclimate frames to enclose and seal a problematic
panel painting (the pictorial layers delaminate from its wooden
support every 5-10 years due to unstable relative humidity and
temperature).

There is considerable literature on microclimate frames, where the
majority of the studies are carried out by conservation scientists
and are mainly focused on theoretical aspects. Unfortunately,
however, there is little information on how microclimate frames are
actually made and which materials are being used. I am particularly
finding it very difficult to obtain a list of sealing materials that
are currently considered for microclimate frames.

I will be very grateful should conservators, in particular, share
more information and specify which non-polluting sealing materials
they are considering for microclimate frames. It will be also useful
to specify the propriety name of the sealing materials and their
manufacturer/suppliers (for reference and purchasing purposes).
Additional information on how the sealing materials are applied to
decorative frames will be also appreciated.

Additional information about the proposed microclimate frame: The
internal measurements of the decorative frame are: 33 cm x 158.5 cm
5 cm. The sealing material should have a width/diameter that is less
than 1cm. The microclimate frame will not be opened (only in case of
an emergency). The sealing material will be in contact with metal
and glass only. Apart from the panel painting itself, the enclosure
will not contain additional buffering (hygroscopic) materials. The
atmosphere inside the microclimate frame will not be modified (such
as such as vacuum or nitrogen).

David Frank Bugeja
Paintings Conservator
Heritage Malta
Triq il-Missjoni Taljana
Bighi, Kalkara KKR 9030, Malta


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:3
                   Distributed: Sunday, June 19, 2011
                        Message Id: cdl-25-3-020
                                  ***