Technical session No. 2

The second technical session devoted to the care of the hero involved Elena Astolfi, Francesca Petrolo and Franco Sartori in preparing the cleaning of the wooden object. The meeting focused on carrying out a first cleaning test and on planning the next intervention, to be shared with the artists of the community.

Rubbery-looking pads that release no water are used to remove surface dirt from the paint layer.

In restoration, gel based on polyvinyl acetate and borax (PVA–borax) is used as a highly controllable cleaning system, particularly suited to sensitive surfaces such as wood, polychrome materials and painted surfaces. The reaction between the polymer and borax produces a cohesive, elastic hydrophilic gel that can carry aqueous solutions while limiting their penetration into the support.

Using the gel allows both the contact time and the cleaning action to be modulated precisely, reducing the risk of washing out original layers and of contaminants migrating into the material. The product is applied locally, left to act for a controlled time and then removed mechanically, often taking dirt and surface deposits with it. Any residues are removed by dabbing or controlled rinsing.

PVA–borax gel is particularly effective at removing compact dirt, atmospheric particulate and altered substances, offering a good balance between effectiveness and operational safety. Its use must always be preceded by preliminary tests, with attention to pH and to compatibility with the work’s constituent materials, so as to ensure a selective, reversible intervention that respects the original surfaces.