From the laboratory to the restorer studio. Practical inpaint applications with commercial colours of sythetic resins

Abstract

The aim of this research is to evaluate the colour stability and solubility changes of some of the more frequently used materials that, nowadays, are available for restorers to carry out inpainting of missing areas during the conservation treatment. First of all, results obtained from subjecting the samples to artificial ageing are presented and, sedondly, the conclusions observed during the practical application of such materials on mock-ups are presented as well, in order to correlate the experimental data obteined in the laboratory to the real working conditions in conservation studios and provide information on technical characteristics and behaviour of such commercial products. The pictorial retouches on works of art are also included of those materials that better results were obtained in both the laborartory and practical application.