A new material for glass conservation. Perspectives for Ceramics heritage

An inorganic consolidant for loose paint layers on glass surfaces was developed to excel the rather poor performance of conventional materials (organic polymers) concerning adhesion and aging. The new attempt concentrates on the use of Si-Zr-alkoxides by the sol-gel route, whose structure emphasizes long-term stability, on the other hand diminishing the possibility to reverse the consolidation treatment. The laboratory testing included characterization in solution and after application application on simulated loose paint samples. Several pilot studies on historic stained glass windows have been carried out since 1990. Compared to Paraloid B 72, the new material minimizes the intervention on the optical appearance: consolidated areas are only slightly darker and not glossy.