Archaeological glass conservation and restoration intervention materials – a literature review

Abstract

Conservation and restoration on archaeological objects in glass often involve the removal of materials from previous restorations and comprise a deep knowledge about present and past methodologies. This article presents a literature survey and critical analysis of the main materials used in the different stages of intervention: cleaning, consolidation, joining fragments and filling gaps. A considerable number of used products was identified, which illustrates the use of various methodologies among professionals from this area. Cleaning methods vary from mechanical methods using a brush (less invasive) to the use of various acidic solutions, some of which can endanger the integrity of objects, being the most common ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid. We highlight the use of epoxy resins as adhesive, consolidant and filler, as well as the acrylic resin Paraloid B-72, identified as reversible, colorless, stable and inert. This survey and analysis of the bibliography reveals the need to implement common intervention methodologies dedicated to this material.