Cleaning Of Synthetic Paint Films: An International Comparison of Conservation Practices

Abstract

Cleaning of synthetic paint films presents an increasingly urgent yet often under-informed conservation challenge. This study investigates the most used and most sensitive cleaning systems in current practice, identifying regional variations and assessing the gap between research and application. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining secondary literature analysis with primary data from interviews and surveys conducted among conservators and contemporary artists.

The findings reveal that highly sensitive, research-based cleaning systems are rarely implemented in practice, and conservators often lack knowledge about the precise binding media. As these cleaning systems typically require exact material identification, their practical applicability is limited. The study also highlights the under-utilised potential of artist collaboration, suggesting that improved communication could enhance material documentation and contextual understanding.

To bridge the divide between research and practice, future conservation efforts must integrate scientific knowledge, artist insights, and accessible methods within daily workflows, supported by stronger structural and educational frameworks.

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