Conclusion

Through both theoretical and experimental research, a specific conservation-restoration problem has been partly solved: the foundations have been laid for an innovative treatment method, based on a relatively accessible and easy-to-use technology. Initial experimental results have made it possible to define an operational protocol that meets the following conditions:

• the effective restoration of the original composition of the paint layer;

• Restoration of the chromatic properties of altered areas;

• the effectiveness of the treatment over a sufficient depth (100 micrometers).

These results led to conclusive in situ tests, and an initial application in the real-life situation of a restoration site. The tool is now available for use on other...