Comparative study of ethyl silicate versus acrylic resin consolidation of wall painting with high water and salts contents: a case study at the Chapter Hall of Chartres cathedral

Author(s): Laura Normand, Stéphanie Duchêne, Véronique Vergès-Belmin, Claire Dandrel, David Giovannacci, Witold Nowik
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 5th Historic Mortars Conference
Editor(s): José Ignacio Álvarez, José María Fernández, Íñigo Navarro, Adrián Durán, Rafael Sirera
ISBN: 978-2-35158-221-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-222-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 1040-1055
Total Pages: 16
Language : English

Abstract: The consolidation of wall paintings is particularly challenging when high contents of water and hygroscopic salts contaminate the masonry. Many wall paintings are in this situation, but only a few of them offer the possibility of easy access and long-term monitoring. The 14th century wall painting located on the east wall of the Chapter Hall of Chartres cathedral (France) is one of these. The aim of this study was to assess the compatibility, efficacy and long-term behaviour of ethyl silicate Silres BS OH 100 and acrylic resin Primal E330S for the consolidation of such wall paintings. Observations and tests were performed before, three and nine months after the treatments. Temperature and relative humidity were monitored next to the tested areas during the whole period of the study. Nine months after application, ethyl silicate did not show any measurable consolidating effect and kept its initial hydrophobicity. On the other hand, despite the apparition of some rare and scarce white spots, a significant consolidating effect was achieved with the acrylic resin without considerable changes of water absorption and repellency.

Online publication : 2019
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00