A methodology for the use of alkyd paint in thermally aged easel painting reconstructions for mechanical testing

For the preservation of painted cultural heritage on wooden substrates, it is important to understand fracture mechanisms in multilayer system which they are constructed and how environment plays a role composites’ physical properties. Past research has investigated material response each constituent layer but much more needs be done represent heterogeneous composite structure easel paintings. In recent years mechanics concepts have been applied glue glue/chalk multilayers. However, few experiments conducted multilayers that include oil paint, due its very long, impractical drying time, can up decades depending type study. The paper presents methodology for use thermally aged alkyd paint painting reconstructions mechanical testing, specifically as substitute naturally traditional linseed paint. Elastic failure properties obtained from environmentally-controlled tensile tests thin free-film samples. To obtain characteristic increased elastic modulus reduced ductility, thermal ageing protocol experimentally developed. results compared with data published literature, theoretical models 30-year-old samples cold-pressed lead white tested within this work. final provides community viable way produce used behaviour (simplified) complete system.