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Table 3 Key observations for trials with emulsifiers, gels and cosmetic sponge options, prepared or combined with water only (either deionised or adjusted water 6:6), tested on the mock-up samples

From: Facilitating the conservation treatment of Eva Hesse’s Addendum through practice-based research, including a comparative evaluation of novel cleaning systems

 

Papier-mâché: [p(EA-MMA) + PVAc]

Ropes: [p(EA-MMA) + PVAc + p(nBA-MMA)]

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

Agarose gel

Easy application and removal

Optimal surface contact

Poor inherent surface cleaning

Release of water onto the surface

Not tested due to rigidity

Temperature of application higher than glass transition temperature of the uppermost p(nBA-MMA) coating

PVAc-Borax gel

Easy application and removal

Good initial surface contact

Minimal cleaning efficacy

Loss of contact with the surface

Not compatible with surfactant concentrations higher than 0.5% w/w

Easy application and removal

Good initial surface contact

Minimal cleaning efficacy

Loss of contact with the surface

Not compatible with surfactant concentrations higher than 0.5% w/w

Xanthan gum

(gel only)

Optimal surface contact

Moderate inherent cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Small areas at a time

Several clearance steps required

Time-consuming

Optimal surface contact

Promising cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Small areas at a time

Several clearance steps required

Mechanical action required

Time-consuming

Shin-Etsu KSG350z emulsion

Optimal surface contact

Moderate inherent cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Small areas at a time

Several clearance steps required

Time-consuming

Clearance with silicone solvents

Requires portable extraction and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Optimal surface contact

Promising cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Small areas at a time

Several clearance steps required

Mechanical action required

Time consuming

Clearance with silicone solvents

Requires portable extraction and PPE

Nanorestore Gel® Peggy 5 gel

Easy application and removal

Promising cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Moderate surface contact

Uneven cleaning efficacy

Easy application and removal, no mechanical action required

Promising cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Loss of contact with the surface

Uneven cleaning efficacy

Nanorestore Gel® Peggy 6 gel

Easy application and removal

Modifiable activity

Better contact than Nanorestore Gel® Peggy 5

Moderate surface contact

Uneven cleaning efficacy

Easy application and removal, no mechanical action required

Promising cleaning efficacy

Modifiable activity

Loss of contact with the surface

Uneven cleaning efficacy

Boots sponge

Gentle mechanical action possible, control of amounts of liquid

Extensive rinsing required prior to use

Release of large amount of liquids on the surface

Not tested

Not tested

NYX Pro Beauty Wedges

As for Boots sponge. Firm consistency

No abrasion or resistance when applied to the surface

Release of some liquid on the surface

Not tested

Not tested

SENSAI sponge cloth

As for Boots sponge. Very absorbent

Good control over the cleaning action

No abrasion or resistance when applied to the surface

Release of some liquid on the surface

Not tested

Not tested