5.2 Aqueous cleaning methods

Aqueous cleaning methods use water-based solutions to remove dirt and grime from artworks. From deionized water to buffered solutions and chelating agents, these techniques target specific contaminants while minimizing damage to delicate surfaces.

Choosing the right method involves assessing the artwork's materials, condition, and sensitivity to water. Conservators must balance cleaning effectiveness with potential risks, considering factors like pH, porosity, and previous treatments to ensure safe and successful results.

Aqueous Cleaning Methods

Types of Aqueous Cleaning Solutions

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• Aqueous cleaning methods utilize water-based solutions to remove surface dirt, grime, and soluble contaminants from artworks
• Deionized water cleaning gently removes water-soluble dirt from water-stable surfaces without introducing additional chemicals
• Buffered aqueous solutions maintain specific pH levels to target certain dirt types while minimizing damage to pH-sensitive materials
• Chelating agents in solutions bind to metal ions, aiding removal of metal-based stains or corrosion products (calcium oxalate, iron stains)
• Surfactant-based cleaning employs detergents to reduce surface tension, allowing better penetration and removal of oily substances (fingerprints, greasy residues)
• Enzymatic cleaning solutions contain specific enzymes breaking down protein-based or starch-based contaminants (glue residues, food stains)
• Gelled aqueous systems provide controlled application and reduced penetration for water-sensitive surfaces or localized cleaning (paper artworks, fragile paint layers)

Applications and Considerations

• Select cleaning methods based on artwork material composition (pigments, binders, support materials)
• Evaluate artwork condition including cracks, flaking, or water-sensitive areas to inform solution selection
• Consider contaminant nature (water-soluble vs. oil-based) to choose most effective method
• Determine pH sensitivity of artwork materials to select appropriate buffered solutions
• Analyze potential for ion exchange or leaching when using chelating agents, particularly on porous artworks
• Assess surface tension and porosity to determine need for surfactants or gelled systems
• Consider artwork age and previous conservation treatments to avoid potential conflicts or adverse reactions

Selecting Aqueous Cleaning Solutions

Material and Condition Assessment

• Assess artwork material composition including pigments, binders, and support materials (canvas, paper, wood)
• Evaluate artwork condition noting presence of cracks, flaking, or water-sensitive areas
• Consider nature of dirt or contaminants to be removed (atmospheric soiling, adhesive residues)
• Determine pH sensitivity of artwork materials to select appropriate buffered solutions
• Analyze potential for ion exchange or leaching when using chelating agents on porous or composite artworks
• Assess artwork surface tension and porosity to determine need for surfactants or gelled systems
• Consider artwork age and previous conservation treatments to avoid potential conflicts

Solution Selection Criteria

• Choose deionized water for water-stable surfaces with water-soluble dirt
• Select buffered solutions for pH-sensitive materials or specific types of stains
• Use chelating agents for metal-based stains or corrosion products (copper corrosion, iron gall ink)
• Employ surfactants for oily or greasy substances resistant to water alone
• Choose enzymatic solutions for protein-based or starch-based contaminants (mold, food residues)
• Opt for gelled systems on water-sensitive surfaces or for localized cleaning (watercolors, pastels)
• Consider combination of methods for complex cleaning scenarios (layered dirt, multiple contaminant types)

Applying Aqueous Cleaning Techniques

Preparation and Safety

• Conduct spot tests on inconspicuous areas to evaluate effectiveness and safety of chosen cleaning solution
• Prepare aqueous cleaning solutions with precise measurements and proper dilution
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coats)
• Follow safety protocols when handling and applying cleaning solutions
• Set up proper ventilation and workspace organization for efficient and safe cleaning process
• Gather necessary tools and materials before beginning cleaning procedure (swabs, brushes, rinse solutions)

Application and Removal Techniques

• Apply solutions using suitable tools (cotton swabs, soft brushes, specialized applicators)
• Implement proper dwell times based on specific method and nature of contaminants
• Employ appropriate mechanical action (gentle swabbing, rolling motions) to aid contaminant removal
• Thoroughly rinse treated areas with deionized water or clearing solutions
• Utilize proper drying techniques (blotting, controlled air drying) to prevent water stains or tide lines
• Monitor artwork throughout cleaning process for any adverse reactions or changes
• Document cleaning process including solutions used, application methods, and results

Assessing Aqueous Cleaning Effectiveness vs Risks

Effectiveness Evaluation

• Evaluate cleaning results through visual examination, magnification, and documentation
• Monitor artwork for adverse reactions during and after cleaning (color changes, swelling, material dissolution)
• Assess level of dirt removal and improvement in artwork appearance
• Compare cleaned areas to uncleaned sections to gauge effectiveness
• Use scientific analysis techniques when necessary (UV fluorescence, FTIR) to assess cleaning results
• Consider need for additional cleaning passes or alternative methods if initial results are unsatisfactory

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Assess potential for water penetration and its effects on different artistic media (canvas supports, paper substrates, paint layers)
• Consider long-term effects on artwork stability including potential for introducing moisture promoting biological growth
• Analyze risks of aqueous cleaning on water-sensitive media (certain inks, dyes, water-soluble paint binders)
• Evaluate potential for physical damage to fragile surfaces during mechanical action of cleaning
• Consider impact of repeated aqueous cleaning treatments on artwork's overall condition
• Develop strategies to minimize risks such as using localized cleaning techniques or adjusting solution concentrations
• Balance effectiveness of cleaning against potential risks to make informed treatment decisions