New Insights into the Cleaning of Paintings

number 3 • 199
• The capillary action of the tissue encourages the diffusing
solvent to evaporate back out toward the front of the painting
(rather than farther into the paint film).
• A lower mechanical action is imposed on the paint film.
However, the following problematic issues remain:
• Although the only nonvolatile components of these gels are
the more stable cellulose ethers, it is still undesirable that
any residues be left on the painting surface.
• Because of the choice of these gelling agents, the solvent selection
for the current SRAL system is limited.
CONCLUSION
The technique described has demonstrated some general advantages
over using swabs with free solvent that has rendered it
more appropriate to use for certain cleaning problems. However,
improvements are still desired and anticipated. Hence, investigations
into other simple and stable gelling agents and alternative
matrix systems for solvent containment are continuing. Furthermore,
an evaluation of this cleaning system with regard to its effect
on the diffusion of solvents into the original materials (with
the associated risk of swelling and leaching of mobile components
from within the paint film) is planned.
APPENDIX
Suppliers of tissues currently used at SRAL are as follows.
Tissue for gel impregnation is schoonmaakdoek RR, 33 × 40 cm ,
article 2516, manufactured by Hanotex International BV, Joure,
the Netherlands (http://www.hanotex.nl). The absorbing tissue is
Kimtech 7506 dry absorbent towels, manufactured by Kimberly-
Clark Professional (http://www.kimberly- clark.com).
REFERENCES
Feller, R. L., and M. Wilt. 1990. Evaluation of Cellulose Ethers for Conservation.
Los Angeles: The J. Paul Getty Trust.
Fife, G. R., J. van Och, B. Stabik, N. Miedema, K. Seymour, and R. Hoppenbrouwers.
2011. “A Package Deal: The Development of Tissue Gel Composite
Cleaning at SRAL.” In ICOM- CC Lisbon 2011 Abstracts, 16th Triennial
Conference, Lisbon,19–23 September 2011, ed. J. Bridgland, p. 172. Almada,
Portugal: Critério.
Van Och, J., J. Shepard, L. Speleers, D. Schellaars, and J. Van Der Werf. 1999.
Condition and Treatment Report for Jacob Jordaens ‘Prince Frederik Hendrik
van Oranje als Triomfator.’ Internal report, Oranjezaal Project, Huis
Ten Bosch (1997–2001). Maastricht, the Netherlands: Stichting Restauratie
Atelier Limburg.