The Complete Art Conservation Methods Cheat Sheet: Techniques, Materials, and Best Practices

Introduction: Understanding Art Conservation

Art conservation encompasses the examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care of cultural artifacts. It combines science, art history, and hands-on expertise to preserve artistic and cultural heritage for future generations. Conservation methods aim to stabilize deterioration, address damage, and when appropriate, restore aesthetic integrity while respecting the artwork’s historical integrity and original intent.

Core Conservation Principles

Conservation Ethics Framework

Conservation vs. Restoration

Examination and Documentation Methods

Non-Invasive Analytical Techniques

Invasive Analytical Methods (Used Sparingly)

Documentation Standards

1. Baseline Documentation Package

   • Accession information and provenance
   • Detailed photography (normal, raking, UV, IR when applicable)
   • Condition mapping and assessment
   • Material identification
   • Treatment history

2. Treatment Documentation

   • Pre-treatment condition report with photos
   • Treatment proposal with justification
   • Treatment process photos
   • Materials used (including brand names, concentrations)
   • Post-treatment report and photos

Conservation Methods by Medium

Paintings Conservation

Common Deterioration Issues

• Paint flaking and loss
• Canvas deterioration and tears
• Darkened varnish
• Structural weakness
• Previous inappropriate restorations
• Mold and insect damage

Key Treatment Methods

Paper Conservation

Common Deterioration Issues

• Acid deterioration
• Foxing (brown spots)
• Tears and losses
• Water damage
• Mold
• Adhesive staining
• Media instability

Key Treatment Methods

Textile Conservation

Common Deterioration Issues

• Fiber weakening
• Tears and losses
• Soiling
• Color fading/bleeding
• Previous repairs
• Insect damage
• Structural stress

Key Treatment Methods

Objects and Sculpture Conservation

Common Deterioration Issues

• Structural instability
• Corrosion (metals)
• Salt damage (stone, ceramics)
• Breakage and losses
• Previous repairs
• Biological growth
• Surface accretions

Key Treatment Methods by Material

Ceramics

• Cleaning: Aqueous methods, solvents, poultices
• Bonding: Paraloid B-72, epoxy resins
• Gap-filling: Plaster, acrylic fillers, tinted to match
• Surface integration: Inpainting with acrylic paints

Metals

• Cleaning: Mechanical (brushes, scalpels), chemical (chelating agents)
• Corrosion removal: Air abrasion, chemical treatments, electrolysis
• Stabilization: Tannic acid (iron), benzotriazole (copper)
• Protective coatings: Waxes, lacquers, Paraloid B-72

Stone

• Cleaning: Water misting, poultices, micro-abrasion
• Consolidation: Silicate esters, acrylic resins
• Desalination: Poultices, immersion
• Crack repair: Injection grouting, pins

Wood

• Pest treatment: Anoxic treatments, freezing
• Consolidation: Synthetic resins (Paraloid B-72)
• Surface cleaning: Gels, adjusted pH solutions
• Loss compensation: Wood fills, epoxy putties

Glass

• Cleaning: Deionized water, ethanol
• Bonding: UV-curing adhesives, epoxies
• Stabilization of crizzling: Humidity control
• Loss compensation: Cast epoxy, silicone molds

Preventive Conservation

Environmental Control Standards

Display Materials Safety Chart

Storage Systems

Conservation Materials Guide

Adhesives

Consolidants

Cleaning Systems

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Flaking Paint

Solutions:

• Identify cause (environmental fluctuations, inherent vice)
• Consolidate with appropriate adhesive (gelatin, synthetic resin)
• Apply with fine brush, syringe, or ultrasonic mister
• Set with controlled heat and pressure
• Implement preventive measures to stabilize environment

Challenge: Mold Contamination

Solutions:

• Isolate affected items
• HEPA vacuum under containment
• Dry objects completely (if appropriate)
• Treat with 70% ethanol for hard surfaces (test first)
• Address source of humidity
• Monitor for recurrence

Challenge: Adhesive Tape Staining

Solutions:

• Mechanical removal of carrier where possible
• Solvent treatment for adhesive residue
• Heat treatment for aged tapes
• Poultices for stubborn stains
• Light bleaching (if appropriate)
• Accept staining if treatments risk damage

Challenge: Structural Instability

Solutions:

• Custom support systems
• Minimal intervention repairs
• Micro-filament bridging for tears
• Compensation for losses with compatible materials
• Redesign of display mounts
• Environmental improvements to prevent further damage

Best Practices for Different Settings

Museum Conservation

1. Long-term Preservation Focus

   • Prioritize stability over aesthetics
   • Thorough documentation for future reference
   • Regular condition assessment program
   • Research-based approach to treatments

2. Preventive Conservation Emphasis

   • Environmental monitoring systems
   • Integrated pest management
   • Staff training on handling and display
   • Emergency response planning

Private Conservation Practice

1. Client Communication

   • Detailed treatment proposals with options
   • Clear explanation of ethical considerations
   • Realistic timeframe and cost estimates
   • Education on preventive measures

2. Treatment Documentation

   • Before, during, and after photography
   • Materials record for future conservators
   • Written reports for client records
   • Long-term care instructions

Historical Site Conservation

1. In-Situ Considerations

   • Environmental assessment and monitoring
   • Minimal displacement of original materials
   • Site-specific solutions
   • Consideration of visitor impact

2. Collaborative Approach

   • Work with architects, engineers, historians
   • Community stakeholder involvement
   • Phased treatment planning
   • Maintenance program development

Resources for Further Learning

Professional Organizations

• American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
• International Institute for Conservation (IIC)
• International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC)
• Institute of Conservation (ICON)
• Canadian Association for Conservation (CAC)

Key Publications

• Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
• Studies in Conservation
• Journal of Cultural Heritage
• The Conservator
• AIC Conservation Wiki

Training Programs and Workshops

• Getty Conservation Institute Courses
• Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies
• International Academic Projects (IAP) Workshops
• American Academy of Bookbinding
• AIC Professional Development Workshops

Online Resources

• CoOL (Conservation OnLine): cool.culturalheritage.org
• Getty Conservation Institute Resources
• Canadian Conservation Institute Notes
• AIC Wiki: www.conservation-wiki.com
• Connecting to Collections Care

Supplier Information

• Talas: conservation supplies
• University Products: archival materials
• Conservation Resources International
• Kremer Pigments: pigments and materials
• Conservation Support Systems

Emergency Response Quick Guide

Water Damage

1. Assess safety of space
2. Establish recovery area
3. Document condition
4. Remove from water
5. Drain and blot excess water
6. Air dry or freeze within 48 hours
7. Separate with wax paper or polyester film
8. Maintain air circulation
9. Monitor for mold (below 70% RH)

Fire Damage

1. Ensure area is safe to enter
2. Document condition
3. Handle minimally using supports
4. Remove soot with HEPA vacuum and soft brushes
5. Keep handling to minimum
6. Store in clean, dry environment
7. Consult conservator before cleaning

Mold Outbreak

1. Isolate affected items
2. Wear PPE (masks, gloves)
3. Lower humidity below 55%
4. Increase air circulation
5. HEPA vacuum when dry
6. Separate from collection
7. Consult conservator for treatment

Pest Infestation

1. Isolate affected items
2. Document type of pest and damage
3. Freeze-treat if appropriate (-20°C for 1 week)
4. Vacuum with HEPA filter
5. Inspect thoroughly before returning
6. Enhance monitoring program
7. Address entry points and attractants