Adhesives and Consolidants in Paintings

Adhesives and consolidants have many different application in the conservation of paintings: for example, the laying down of paint flakes flakes, for lining and the application of temporary facing. These multiple uses demand a range of adhesives with highly varying properties. Over time, and under differing conditions, some materials can present concerns for the conservation including brittleness, yellowing and discoloration, and difficulty in removal.

The papers in this volume, presented at an ICON Paintings Group conference at the National Portrait Gallery, London, confront some of the problems encountered including the practical application of materials; reversibility and long-term performance; the properties required of an adhesive and the properties of some of the materials commonly used as consolidants/adhesives.