Evaluation of the stability, appearance and performance of resins for the adhesion of flaking paint on ethnographic objects

A series of resins, mainly water-based, was tested to identify suitable materials for the adhesion of flaking, porous paint on ethnographic objects. Tests of tensile strength, colour, pH, flexibility, adhesion, dust retention, working properties and solubility were used to assess the stability, appearance and performance of unaged and aged resins. Facsimiles of painted objects were used in tests wherever possible to simulate the behaviour of resins on museum objects. Of the 19 resins tested, Plextol® B500, an acrylic dispersion, performed best and was selected for use in the Australian Museum Conservation Laboratory.