I. What is Deterioration? Deterioration in art refers to the gradual decay or damage that occurs to artworks over time. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, poor handling, and natural aging processes. Artworks can deteriorate in different ways, such as fading of colors, cracking of paint layers, warping of … Read more
What is Friable? Friable refers to a condition in which a material is easily crumbled or reduced to powder. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as age, environmental conditions, or poor handling. Friable materials are often fragile and prone to damage. They can include substances like plaster, paint, paper, and textiles. … Read more
What is Wet Cleaning? Wet cleaning is a method used in art conservation and restoration to remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the surface of artworks. It involves the use of liquid solvents or cleaning agents to gently clean and restore the artwork without causing damage to the original material. Wet cleaning is often … Read more
What is Oddy Test? The Oddy Test is a standardized method used in the field of art conservation and restoration to determine the safety of materials that come into contact with museum objects. It was developed by Andrew Oddy in the 1970s and has since become a widely accepted practice in the preservation of cultural … Read more
What is Tensile Strength? Tensile strength is the maximum amount of tensile stress that a material can withstand before breaking or failing. It is a critical mechanical property that measures a material’s ability to resist deformation when subjected to a pulling force. Tensile strength is typically expressed in units of force per unit area, such … Read more
What is Transmitted Light? Transmitted light refers to the process of shining light through an object to observe its properties. This technique is commonly used in various fields such as art conservation, microscopy, and photography. Transmitted light can reveal details that are not visible under normal lighting conditions, making it a valuable tool for examining … Read more
What is Caliper? Calipers are precision measuring tools used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object. They consist of two hinged legs with a scale and a mechanism to adjust the distance between the tips. Calipers can be used to measure the internal dimensions of an object, the external dimensions, or … Read more
What is Time Weighted Preservation Index? The Time Weighted Preservation Index is a metric used in art conservation and restoration to assess the overall condition and preservation needs of a piece of artwork over time. It takes into account various factors such as environmental conditions, handling, and restoration history to determine the level of deterioration … Read more
What is Drying Oil? Drying oil is a type of oil that hardens to a tough, solid film when exposed to air. It is commonly used in art conservation and restoration to protect and preserve paintings and other works of art. Drying oils are derived from plants, such as flaxseed, walnut, and poppy, and are … Read more
What is Encapsulation? Encapsulation is a process used in art conservation and restoration to protect fragile or damaged artworks. It involves creating a barrier around the artwork to shield it from external elements such as moisture, dust, and pollutants. Encapsulation can be done using a variety of materials, including glass, acrylic, and polyester film. These … Read more