Conversion of Discoloured Lead White: Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Paint and Paper

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chemical conversion of darkened lead white into white lead(II) sulfate with hydrogen peroxide (HP) may impact the surrounding paper, depending on treatment parameters. Side effects of historic conversion treatment are illustrated by a drawing by Abraham Bloemaert. Model papers rendered HP-sensitive by iron(II) sulfate impregnation and prepared with darkened lead white underwent conversion with HP in gas, gel or liquid form. Visual (VIS, magnification) and instrumental (single gas detection with Dräger X-am® 5100) analysis revealed that no application method was free of side effects and that HP gas emission continued for a considerable time after 3% HP application by brush.