Non-traditional Gilding Techniques in Gilded Objects Conservation: Research into Loss Compensation in Water-gilded Surfaces Using Synthetic Polymers

Non-traditional gilding techniques, involving synthetic materials, were introduced into the field of gilded objects conservation in the 1980s. Yet, despite the obvious benefits of such materials in terms of their traceability and reversibility, they still meet great resistance from conservators. In the absence of extensive research regarding the unknown long-term impact and effects of treatments using synthetic polymers, many conservators rightly feel uneasy applying such materials in the conservation of valuable and historically significant objects. Between 2000-2008 PhD research was conducted involving methodical testing of several stable materials used successfully in other conservation fields with regards to their suitability for gilding, concentration in solutions and methods of activation. The final testing phase aimed to determine tendency in aging behaviour of the gilded surfaces using synthetic materials. The research demonstrates that stable synthetic polymers can be used to expand treatment options for gilded objects, thereby bringing gilding materials in line with ethical standards regarding detectability and reversibility achieved in other fields of conservation.