Overpaint Removal from Polychrome Wood Artwork: Lithuanian Practice in the European Context

This paper focuses on alternative options regarding the often highly time-consuming treatments to overpaint removal from wooden polychrome objects used in Lithuanian conservation practice. It aims highlight variety of approaches throughout European region. Based case study analysis, four types that have been identified region are mechanical, solvent, biological, and physical. The methods found practice mechanical ablation with a scalpel, organic solvent-soaked compress action followed by scalpel ablation, swab action, application commercial paint strippers (commercial organogels). Five more abroad employ self-modelled organogels, hydrogels, enzymes, heat, laser radiation. further analysis helped determine twelve systems based mentioned above. These illustrated flowchart, providing information each process step step, which can serve as an aid when designing case-specific approach. Subsequently, author this presents diversified system multiple campaigns overpainting reliquary.