Abstract
The article presents the possibilities of using the non-woven textile Evolon® CR in conservation. It focuses on methods for removing or reducing varnish, overpainting, and surface grime from easel paintings, paper, and polychromed sculptures. The results of conservation treatments and related experiments have confirmed that the non-woven textile Evolon® CR can effectively reduce varnish layers, overpaintings, and surface grime in conservation practice. Its use minimises mechanical stress on the surface while also reducing the number of solvents required for treatment.
A wide range of applications for Evolon® CR has been demonstrated, not only in cleaning oil paintings on canvas supports but also in treating delicate paper-based materials. When comparing different application methods, it was found that Evolon® CR adhere well even to three-dimensional structures. However, when removing grime and varnish from fine craquelure or surfaces with pronounced morphology, additional cleaning may be necessary. Inaccurate alignment of individual textile pieces during application can also lead to variations in the reduction of surface layers, which may pose challenges if further mechanical cleaning is required afterwards.
Practical experience from case studies at the Prague City Museum is presented. Based on the presented case studies, conservation treatments significantly reduced the number of solvents used, while also demonstrating the possibility of reusing this textile. Evolon® CR thus emerges as a promising alternative to traditional cleaning methods in the conservation of artworks, offering not only efficiency but also economic and ecological sustainability, with particular consideration for the hygiene of the conservator›s working environment. Further research could focus on its use for cleaning or reducing surface treatments on highly sensitive objects, such as varnished chromolithographs and other fragile paper artefacts.