Dry Cleaning Approaches for Unvarnished Paint Surfaces

A range of materials used in conservation practice were selected to perform dry clean- ing tests of water- and mechanically sensitive, soiled, and articially aged paint surfaces. Results were assessed visually, by light and electron microscopy, as well as through gloss measurements based on topography integrity, gloss integrity, clearance of residues, cleaning power, aging stability of residues and paint surfaces after testing, and UV €uorescence changes. Of the tested materials, yellow microber cloth, white akapad, and polyurethane- based makeup sponges were shown to be the most efcient and safe materials on different paint surfaces. Groom/stick and Absorene were problematic, especially for underbound, matte paints, leaving resilient hardening residues. Polyvinyl chloride erasers left plasticizer residues, with the potential for softening the paint layer with aging. It was noted that the stability and usefulness of materials such as polyurethane makeup sponges may be compromised if the manufacturer changes their chemical composition.