The mechanical behaviour of adhesives and gap fillers for re-joining panel paintings

Young, C. , Ackroyd, P., Hibberd, P. and Gritt, S. (2002) The mechanical behaviour of adhesives and gap fillers for re-joining panel paintings. National Gallery Technical Bulletin, 23, pp. 83-96.

Abstract

Previously conserved panel paintings (which may have had a cradle removed) sometimes require gap fillers as well as thin films of adhesives to rejoin panels, and in some cases the treated panel will be returned to a building with little or no environmental control. Often the panels are connected by butt joins. The adhesive properties should be tailored to the wood properties and to the anticipated environmental exposure. Ideal properties for the adhesive and filler are defined, and the properties of existing synthetic and natural materials (with the exception of fish glues) are discussed in these terms. Four-point bend tests on currently available materials are described and interpreted. All the adhesives used in hairline joints tended to cause failure of the wood or wood removal at the adhesive interface. Fillers of Resin W with coconut and microballoons showed cohesive failure within the joint and no damage to the wood, though their hygroscopic properties have not yet been characterised.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Young, Professor Christina
• Authors: Young, C., Ackroyd, P., Hibberd, P., and Gritt, S.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: National Gallery Technical Bulletin
• Publisher: National Gallery Company Ltd.
• ISSN: 0140-7430