Academic thesis
| Neele Grieger: | Cleaning of Matt-Gilded Surfaces with NanoRestore® Gels | Back |
| Language: | Original - Translation | |
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| Abstract: | Matt gilding is highly sensitive to moisture due to its animal glue coating and therefore requires particularly careful cleaning methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of NanoRestore® gels for the cleaning of matt gilding. The study examined whether ethanol-water mixtures could provide sufficient cleaning performance while preserving the underlying glue layer. To address this question, preliminary cleaning tests were carried out on artificially soiled glue layers applied to glass plates. Three ethanol-water mixtures and two application times were investigated. The most suitable cleaning parameters were then applied to specially prepared matt gilded mock-ups. The results were evaluated using photographic documentation, microscopic examination, and quantitative image analysis. The results demonstrate that the ethanol-water ratio has a significant influence on cleaning performance. While higher water contents improved soil removal, they also increased the risk of affecting the glue layer. Under the selected test conditions, the 50/50 ethanol-water mixture provided the best balance between cleaning efficiency, material compatibility, and visual appearance. The tests on the matt gilded mock-ups confirmed these findings. Surface dirt was visibly reduced without detectable changes to either the glue layer or the gold leaf. Complete removal of the soiling was not necessary to achieve a clear improvement in the visual appearance. The findings indicate that NanoRestore® gels are a promising option for the cleaning of matt gilding. However, as the study was carried out exclusively on artificially prepared mock-ups, further investigations on historical surfaces are required to assess the transferability of the results to conservation practice. |
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