Symposium on the stability and optical properties of picture varnishes

Symposium
"The stability and optical properties of picture varnishes"

INP, 2 rue Vivienne
75002 Paris, France
2 April 2012

Lecturer:

    E. Rene de la Rie
    Scientific Research Department
    National Gallery of Art
    Washington DC

Abstract of the lecture

    Considerable progress has been made in recent years in research
    into the properties of picture varnishes. The degradation,
    effects of stabilizing additives and the optical properties have
    been studied. Traditional, natural resin varnishes, primarily
    based on dammar or mastic, degrade rapidly, leading to
    yellowing, cracking, loss of gloss and transparency, and loss of
    solubility. Removal of such degraded varnishes can be risky for
    the paint surface. Dammar varnish may be stabilized with a
    hindered amine light stabilizer, but only in the absence of
    ultraviolet radiation. Research into the properties of the many
    materials used for varnishing paintings has elucidated their
    optical differences, and revealed that these differences are
    governed largely by molecular weight. The research has led to
    the introduction of synthetic low molecular weight resins and
    stabilizing additives, which offer painting conservators stable
    alternatives to the traditional, rapidly degrading varnishes.

Public concerned: Conservators, curators, scientists
Length: 3 hours, 9:30 - 12:30 pm
Price: 65 Euro

Contact:

    Laetitia Letendard
    Continuous Education of Institut National du Patrimoine (Inp)
    Institut National du Patrimoine
    Departement des Restaurateurs
    150 avenue du President Wilson
    93 210 Saint-Denis La Plaine
    +33 49 46 57 04
    Fax: +33 1 49 46 57 01
    laetitia.letendard<-at->inp<.>fr


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:43
                 Distributed: Saturday, March 24, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-25-43-012
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