4 TREATMENT APPLICATIONS

The artifact treatments outlined here have been chosen to demonstrate the versatility and potential of ultrasonic misting in conservation. Because the following descriptions focus on the use of the ultrasonic mister, complete treatment details, such as research and spot tests usually undertaken by a conservator when selecting a consolidant, are not presented. The criteria for and process of selecting a consolidant are thoroughly discussed elsewhere in the conservation literature.

4.1 PAPER GAUGE OF A MICA COMPASS

The ultrasonic mister was successfully used at the Canadian Conservation Institute to consolidate and resize the fragile paper gauge of a mica compass belonging to the Yukon Tourism Heritage Branch (Guild et al. 1994). The three paper fragments that formed the gauge of the compass had separated from the mica base. The paper was extremely fragile, crumpled, dirty, and discolored, with scattered rust brown stains. The black ink medium marking directional signs was severely abraded and was flaking in some areas.

Because the flaking ink and the surface of the soft, pulpy paper fragments could not withstand the mechanical disturbance of brushing or pneumatic spraying, the consolidant was applied as a very fine mist using the ultrasonic mister with the small reducer-connector nozzle and the paper suction table. The paper was first humidified and then consolidated overall using an aqueous solution of 0.25% Methocel A4C. It was misted three times on the recto and three times on the verso. The first two mistings of methyl cellulose penetrated the paper, which was held under very light suction. The final application formed a relatively discrete layer on the paper surface, acting as a resizing.

Ultrasonic misting allowed the consolidant to be applied in a controlled and gradual manner, using successive applications of consolidant until the desired effect was achieved. Large flakes of paper still required local consolidation; for this, a 0.5% solution of Methocel A4C was applied with a fine brush under the binocular microscope. After consolidation and resizing, the paper felt much stronger and areas of flaking were adhered.

4.2 CHARCOAL DRAWING, HEAD OF AN OLD MAN

A charcoal drawing from the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Head of an Old Man, by Louis Muhlstock, was treated at CCI with the ultrasonic mister for removal of a discolored fixative layer (Guild et al. 1994). The spray fixative, identified as rosin, had been applied in a relatively even coating over the image. The fixative had discolored to a golden ochre color and had become dry and brittle (fig. 3). Dry mechanical testing of the charcoal indicated that it was stable and not easily transferred or smudged. Nonetheless, when subjected to droplets from a brush or spray, the medium was easily displaced.

Fig. 3. Louis Muhlstock, Head of an Old Man, ca. 1931, charcoal drawing, 57.5 � 45 cm. Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg, Manitoba, acc.no. 89-1410. Discolored fixative on drawing before treatment

Tests executed with the ultrasonic mister with the object on the suction table proved to be very successful, dissolving the rosin and pulling it into the blotter below without disturbing the charcoal. With the drawing placed on the suction table, the fixative and associated discoloration were reduced by misting with a 1:1 solution of ethanol and water; only small sections of the drawing were worked at a time (fig. 4). The mist was applied in successive applications, allowing the paper to dry between each and frequently replacing the blotter below. Nonimage areas were treated with the same solution by brush. By incorporating the use of the paper suction table, there was little deformation of the support and less danger of tidelines. Application of solvent with the ultrasonic mister permitted gentle removal of the disfiguring fixative without damage to the vulnerable design layer.

Fig. 4. Detail of figure 3 during removal of fixative. Note that the discoloration has been reduced by the removal of fixative by misting across chin, mustache, left proper cheek, and earlobe.

4.3 CHARCOAL DRAWING, KARSH PORTRAIT

The ultrasonic mister was employed to wash, bleach, and rinse a harsh matburn stain from a friable charcoal drawing, Karsh Portrait (artist unknown, ca. 1980) (McWilliams 1994). The stain was first reduced locally on the suction table by washing with an alkaline water mist. Bleaching was carried out with a mist of a 1.5% sodium borohydride bleach in ethanol, and finally the drawing was rinsed with an ethanol mist. Successive applications of the misting solutions were required to reduce the disfiguring stain. By introducing the solutions in a mist, there was little disturbance of the charcoal, and the discoloration was safely and easily removed.

4.4 INK DRAWING WITH WATERCOLOR

A primitive drawing, William III, Prince of Orange, The Glorious Immortal (artist and date unknown) from the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, executed in ink and watercolor, with areas of loose, powdery pigment and cupped, flaking paint, was consolidated with the ultrasonic mister at CCI (Guild et al. 1994).

Before consolidation, the paper support was washed overall using ultrasonic humidification and wet blotters on the suction table; a significant amount of discoloration was removed and the appearance of the drawing improved. Although the watercolors appeared to be slightly less friable after washing, suggesting that humidification had rejuvenated the binder to some extent, local consolidation was still necessary. Friable areas on the drawing were consolidated by misting with an aqueous solution of 0.25% Methocel A4C on the suction table, with the aid of binocular microscope (fig. 5). A small blotter of paper was used to absorb the mist temporarily as the nozzle was moved to and from a treatment area. Because the mist leaves the nozzle in a straight fashion, with little flare or turbulence, and because it can be easily directed to a specific area on the object (figs. 6, 7), the technique allowed control and precision in the application of the consolidant. Testing the paint for improved adhesion was done between each application using a small brush under the binocular microscope. Three applications of the consolidant were required to secure the paint. Spot tests indicated that the cupped and flaking red pigment was not completely consolidated with the ultrasonic mister; these areas were further consolidated with two applications, by brush, of 0.5% Methocel A4C.

Fig. 6. Detail of drawing in fig. 5, showing flaking and powdery pigment

Fig. 7. Mylar overlay for detail in fig. 6, documenting specific areas treated with the mister. The mist stream is so precisely focused that very small areas can be treated while leaving adjacent areas untreated.

4.5 GOUACHE PAINTING, BLACK SUN

A severely flaking and deformed gouache painting from the National Gallery of Canada (NGC), Black Sun by Michael Snow (1954) was successfully consolidated with the ultrasonic mister (Maheux and McWilliams 1995). The painting was composed of multiple layers of gouache of suspect quality applied to a hard-surfaced machine-made wove paper. Examination in raking light confirmed that the sheet had been rolled and subsequently flattened. The paint had cracked and flaked along the vertical creases, leaving a crumbled layer of detached particles as well as larger areas of complete loss. Examination of detached paint samples with polarized light microscopy revealed that the bonding of the paint layers had failed, probably resulting from the application of incompatible paints.

Based on experiments with different consolidants on a series of mock-ups, gelatin was chosen for consolidating the painting. To ensure freshness, a 1% solution of 100 bloom gelatin was freshly prepared for each consolidation session. (Bloom is a measurement of the gel strength of a solution.)

Before each session, the painting was placed in a humidity chamber for 4 to 6 hours. Supported on a sheet of Hollytex, it was then transferred to the suction table for misting. A microspatula was sometimes used to gently secure large particles during or after misting to ensure intimate bonding. After each session, consolidated areas were examined under the microscope. A few larger particles of gouache had to be further consolidated with a higher concentration of 2% gelatin applied with a fine brush.

Following misting sessions, the work was left face up with light weight along the perimeter. The vertical deformations and undulations disappeared almost entirely after the first session on the suction table and did not recur.

4.6 PASTEL AND GOUACHE DRAWING, SUNSET AT THUNDER BAY

The mister was used to consolidate a pastel and gouache drawing on paper, Sunset at Thunder Bay (1869) by William Armstrong, at the National Archives of Canada (Hill 1995). The poor bond between the gouache and the underlying pastel layer had resulted in flaking and loss. These areas were consolidated by misting on the suction table up to four times with an aqueous solution of 1% gelatin. By incrementally applying the dilute consolidant, the possibility of causing color change was reduced.

4.7 OIL PAINTING, GLACIER

An oil painting on canvas, Glacier (1928) by Arthur Lismer, from the Art Gallery of Hamilton, was treated at the National Gallery of Canada with the ultrasonic mister for the removal of a brittle, discolored water soluble adhesive from its surface (Ruggles 1995). Iodine staining tests (Browning 1977, 90–91) confirmed that the adhesive was starch-based. It is likely that the residues were from a facing adhesive that was incompletely removed. Remnants of thin paper embedded in the starch adhesive layer support this speculation.

The fabric support had previously been lined with an aqueous-based adhesive and a cotton fabric. Although the lined fabric support was stable, the paint layer exhibited extensive microscopic cupping, cracking, and flaking in areas associated with the starch adhesive residue. The paint had literally been pulled up with the swelling and shrinking of the adhesive layer as it responded to fluctuations of relative humidity. The bond between the surface adhesive residue and the paint layer was stronger than the cohesive bonding of the paint. Although the residual adhesive had no wet strength, tests indicated that it could not be removed from the surface by conventional mechanical methods employing a damp swab without extensive paint loss.

The ultrasonic mister was used to relax, clean, and consolidate the painting. Under a binocular microscope, areas of adhesive residue were first gently humidified with the ultrasonic mister, thus relaxing the cupped paint. Humidified areas were covered with release paper and blotters and placed under soft weights overnight. The humidification served generally to consolidate the paint, possibly by reactivating and redistributing the starch adhesive. A few isolated areas of more pronounced cupping were consolidated with dilute parchment size, which was applied by brush. In both cases, the humidified and consolidated areas were flattened under light weight. Flattened areas were misted with water a second time to solubilize the bond between the superficial adhesive residue and the paint. The swelled adhesive was prodded off the surface with a sharpened wooden swab stick, and the paint layer was cleaned with a cotton swab dampened with distilled water. The area was again covered with release paper, blotter, and weights overnight. Application of moisture with the ultrasonic mister ensured that there was no paint loss during the removal of the adhesive and facing tissue residue.

4.8 PAPER LEAF OF A MANDARIN FAN

A Mandarin fan, also known as an applied figure fan, from the Ross Memorial Museum in Nova Scotia, was consolidated with the ultrasonic mister at CCI (Dicus 1994). The paper leaf of the fan, which was detached from the carved ivory skeleton, was composed of a complex painted design in gouache on Japanese paper. The gouache on the paper leaf was abraded in areas with losses. Numerous small areas with powdery or flaking paint were evident (figs. 8, 9).

Fig. 8. Detail of paper leaf of a painted Mandarin fan with applied fabric figures with ivory heads and carved ivory end sticks, ca. 1850–1900, width from guard to guard when open. 46.5 cm, overall length 29 cm. Ross Memorial Museum, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, acc. no. 76.65

Fig. 9. Detail of the paper leaf in fig. 8, showing flaking and powdery gouache

Due to the visual complexity of the design and because only some areas required consolidation, areas in need of consolidation (either powdery or flaking) were identified under a binocular microscope and their location recorded on Mylar over an enlarged photograph. An aqueous solution of 0.25% Methocel A4C applied with the ultrasonic mister proved successful for powdery areas. Two to three applications of the consolidant were required before there was adequate adhesion of the pigment. Insecure flakes of gouache were consolidated, by brush, with an aqueous solution of 0.5% Methocel A4C.

4.9 PAPER HEAD OF A DRAGON KITE

The head of an oriental bamboo and paper kite in the shape of a dragon from the Alexander Graham Bell Collection in Nova Scotia was consolidated using the ultrasonic mister at Parks Canada–Atlantic Region laboratories (Boyer 1995). The head, made of Japanese paper, was painted blue overall and decorated with dots of thick white paint (fig. 10). Some white dots were not secure, and the blue paint was powdery and easily lost in areas where it was thickly applied.

Fig. 10. Paper head of a dragon kite, ca. 1911, bamboo and Japanese paper, 43 � 43 cm. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck, Nova Scotia, acc. no. BD. 55. 1. 941. Courtesy of Parks Canada, Historic Resource Conservation–Atlantic Region, Dart-mouth, Nova Scotia

The flaking white dots were secured with wheat starch paste, while the powdery blue paint was consolidated by misting several applications of 0.5% gelatin in distilled water. The treatment was terminated when a slight color change was noted in a test area. Although the paint was still not strongly attached after treatment, it had now become secure enough to withstand gentle contact with soft storage materials.

4.10 MELANESIAN TREE FERN FIGURES

Four carved tree fern figures from Ambrym Island, Melanesia, were treated using the ultrasonic mister at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary (Humphrey 1995). The figures, carved from the trunks of tree ferns, were covered with mud, probably composed of slaked lime and volcanic ash, and decorated with white and pink pigments (fig. 11). The mud and paint were fragile and flaking; two of the figures had already suffered a loss of 50% of their coating.

Fig. 11. Melanesian carved ceremonial figure from Ambrym Island, Melanesia. Painted tree fern carving, 56 � 14 cm., date unknown. Glenbow Museum, Calgary, Alberta, acc. no. R.1514.1. Courtesy of the Glenbow Museum

After testing several adhesives and comparing the effects of misting and airbrush spraying, it was decided to mist the flaking mud and paint with up to three applications of Rhoplex AC-33 acrylic dispersion diluted to 5% of the stock solution in water. Analysis of the paint had revealed the presence of calcium carbonate as one of the major components. Consolidation of this pigment was studied by Michalski and Dignard (1997) and gave good results with Rhoplex AC-33. Although consolidation caused a slight darkening in some areas, this color was regarded as acceptable, considering the overall improvement in bonding.

4.11 BURNED ARCHAEOLOGICAL THATCH

An extremely fragile and powdery sample of burned thatch roofing consisting of loose pieces of sea grass, recovered from the former Acadian site of Belleisle in southern Nova Scotia, was treated with the mister at Parks Canada–Atlantic Region laboratories (Day 1995). The thatch could not be touched with a brush without causing damage. The ultrasonic mister was modified for this treatment, so that the mist was delivered to a funnel that enclosed the thatch (fig. 12). The thatch was exposed to five applications of 0.5% aqueous solution of gelatin, each time for approximately 10 minutes. A small color change occurred, but the archaeologist judged this change to be less important than consolidation (other pieces of thatch collected from the same site were left untreated). After consolidation, the thatch sample was strong enough to be handled and used for research.

Fig. 12. Setup of the ultrasonic mister to treat archaeological thatch. Courtesy of Parks Canada, Historic Resource Conservation–Atlantic Region, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

4.12 RED-ROTTED LEATHER

As with the example in section 4.11, a modified version of the mister has also been used at the CCI to apply a retanning solution to a fragile, powdery, red-rotted, vegetable-tanned leather (Barclay 1995). The leather covered an air-delivery pipe of an 1830 pipe organ. A mist of 5% aluminum isopropoxide in 1,1,1 trichloroethane was continuously pumped for 17 hours into a glass chamber, where the leather was suspended on a rack. In comparison, tests had shown that brush application displaced particles of the red-rotted surface and that eyedropper application could cause staining.

4.13 OTHER TREATMENTS

Numerous ethnographic and folk art artifacts at the Canadian Museum of Civilization have been treated with the ultrasonic mister in preparation for display (B�rub� and Segal 1996). The mister was used on very powdery painted surfaces where traditional paint consolidation techniques were not suitable. It was found in these cases that misting is a useful treatment option but that it does have it drawbacks; for example, it does not always achieve complete consolidation of the painted surface and, like other consolidation methods, can result in staining of the wooden substrate.

Descriptions of the use of the ultrasonic mister to treat an Egyptian coffin end piece and a Pennsylvania German low post bed (Michalski et al. forthcoming), as well as a cracked and flaking gouache painting (Weidner 1993), have been published elsewhere.