Scholarly record

CONSERVATION OF CONTEMPORARY PAINTING: A COMPARTATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF DRY CLEANING TECHNIQUES

K. G. Cordova, R. Llamas-Pacheco, J. Valcarcel-Andres

Abstract

The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of different erasers in performing dry cleaning on unvarnished monochrome samples (painted with acrylics, oils, alkyd oils and gouache). These samples are representative of the problem with modern monochrome works lacking any protective film that might prevent dirt from entering the paint surface--they require careful cleaning procedures taking into consideration the painting materials used, which in many cases are sensitive to certain solvents. For this reason, the cleaning process must be carefully analysed and take into account the above, in order to avoid causing any damage to the chromatic rhythm of the unflawed surfaces created by the artist. Through the use of photographs, a microscope and RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging)--a technique underused in the recording of painted artwork--are used to ascertain changes brought about from dry cleaning treatments, such as changes in the gloss, texture, abrasion, erosion, polish, incisions caused by the materials and the presence of residues that might trigger chemical problems on the paint surface. Keeping track of these factors during a cleaning process is relevant since monochrome paints, in addition to its flat colour scheme, also contain an intrinsic message that must be transmitted to the public without interruption.

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