Stained glass conservation. Innovative research and new materials

Within the last years two new materials were developed for stained glass conservation: a multilayer protective coating, based on hteropolysiloxanes and inorganic fillers, as well as a paint layer consolidant, based on silicon and zirconium alkoxides. The effectiveness of these systems was examined in laboratory tests on simulation test pieces (e.g. corrosion sensitive model glasses) using accelerated tests in climatic chambers and weathering under outdoor conditions. Pilot studies on original panels are considered to be the last step before recommending the materials for routine application in the restorers workshops. This report reviews the development and scientific characterization of the materials, featuring application methods, and first results on pilot studies and pretreatment techniques