The Use of Aquazol-Based Gilding Preparations

The polymer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), sold under the trade name Aquazol, is gaining appeal for many conservators due to its excellent adhesive qualities and wide-ranging solubility in polar organic solvents including water. This chemically stable polymer is being used as an adhesive, clear coating, and consolidant. During the last year, substitutions of Aquazol-solvent solutions for hide glue in traditional gilding preparations have been highly successful in compensating conserved gilded objects at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. For the compensation of traditional water gilding, these preparations have three major advantages. First, the solvent vehicle can be tailored to avoid disturbing original water or solvent-sensitive surfaces. Second, the use of fast evaporating organic solvents can speed the build up of new surfaces. Finally, unlike waterbased hide glues that are often difficult to remove safely, the broad solubility of Aquazol provides a high degree of safety and reversibility to both fills and gilding. As a tool for compensating gilding, Aquazol-based gesso, gesso putty, and bole provide a significant alternative for reproducing the difficult sheen of burnished water gilding. Shelton: The Use of Aquazol-Based Gilding Preparations Chris Shelton, Associate Conservator, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston