Overpaint removal from easel paintings using an LQS Nd:YAG laser: The first validation study. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Siano, Salvatore; Osticioli, Iacopo; Pavia, Alessandro; Ciofini, Daniele
• Is Part Of: Studies in conservation. Volume 60:Number 1(2015)
• Page Start: S49
• Page End: S57
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Art objects -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; 700.288
• DOI: 10.1179/0039363015Z.000000000207
• Languages: German
• ISSNs: 0039-3630

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In this work, laser ablation has been applied for removing overpaint found on the reverse of a signed easel painting by Giacomo Balla, one of the founding members of the Futurist movement. After unsuccessful attempts to remove the overpaint layers selectively using organic solvents, a long Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 120 ns) ablation was successfully trialled, enabling the planning of complete uncovering of a hidden artwork by laser treatment. Laser cleaning was accompanied with a thorough characterisation of the original pigments, binders, and overpaint using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, along with stratigraphic examination combined with optical and ESEM-EDX analysis. In parallel systematic experimentation on samples simulating the layers to be removed was carried out to interpret the laser removal processes being exploited and fine-tune the treatment.</p> </abstract>