Sealing Effect of Aliphatic Solvents and Cyclododecane Solutions During Adhesion of Flaking Paint with Methylcellulose

Many modern artworks exhibit flaking paint. Rarely restored, they hardly show any stains, so it is important that the absorbent canvas is not penetrated with unnecessary foreign material while re-adhering the paint layer. Such a situation was found with the painting “Cathédrale de Reims” from 1906 by the Swiss artist Annie Stebler-Hopf (1861–1918). In order to generate samples for the investigation into a temporary sealing of the canvas and re-gluing of the flaking paint, which should simulate the nature of the boundary surfaces of the original painting to be adhered as closely as possible, the artwork was first examined for the material components, solubility and absorbency. Protein residues were found on the textile support, given that proteins build up more tension while ageing, the decision was made to use the more age-resistant methylcellulose as adhesive for the samples and the following re-adhesion. With a controlled application, the penetration behaviour of the methylcellulose into the textile support was examined with admixed fluorescein-sodium. Following the positive results of the temporary sealing with Cyclododecane in isooctane, the artwork was treated in this way. This new method is simple and can be used without much equipment. It can prevent some paintings from stiffening, staining or building up tension due to adhesives penetrating the canvas.