Investigation of the destructive action of copper pigments on paper and consequences for conservation

Green copper pigments have been important coloring agents in the graphic arts although they frequently are destructive to the support, both paper and parchment. Metal coatings containing copper, used to imitate gilding, have caused similar damage. The goal of this investigation was to clarify the chemical mechanism of the damage and to develop suitable conservation measures. See AATA 17-1070, 17-1108, 18-1192, and 19-956.