Cleaning and Varnish removal of PaintingsLaajuus (5 ECTS)

Objective

Students are able to choose the most suitable cleaning method and material (including suitable solvent) for a particular painting, depending on the type of dirt. Also students are able to assess the level of cleaning and the extent of cleaning from both ethical and esthetical point of view in order to achieve acceptable final result.

Students are able to practically choose, prepare and test different solvents for cleaning surface dirt, removing varnish and other types of dirt.
Students have the skills to prepare solvent mixtures for removing different types of dirt and have the skills to remove dirt from paintings safely, both for paintings and themselves

Content

Students will learn about different cleaning materials and methods through lectures and practical work / testing. Also the safety of cleaning materials (solvents) taught during the Chemistry of Cleaning part of the course.

Cleaning the surface dirt, removal of varnish and other types of dirt from paintings will be the main part of the course. TEAS-triangles and solubility parameters will be taught so that students are able to choose the best possible solvent for cleaning. Use of solvent gels in removing surface dirt and varnish.

Qualifications

Chemistry I and II, Pigments I and II

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the cleaning and varnish removal of easel paintings is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student has taken part in all teaching sessions and projects and his/her activity on the course has been good. The student acts flexibly as a group member.
The studies have proceeded consistently. The student is able to understand the basic topics associated with the cleaning and varnish removal of easel paintings and is able to apply the theoretical studies to practical work with good results. The reasoning of the rehearsal tasks is valid and the student understands the causes and effects of one's choices in the tasks.
The student works independently but there is still some need for further guidance from the teacher. The student has given enough attention for the subject and has an overall understanding of the subject.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has achieved the course objectives fully. The student has taken actively and constructively part in the teaching and the project. The student’s actions enhance the group activities.
The student masters the topics associated with the cleaning and varnish removal of easel paintings and its prerequisites, and is able to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is professional and the student can validate the causes and effects of his/her choices.
The student works independently. The student masters the overall subject in both theory and practice.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student has often been absent from the teaching sessions. Activity during the teaching sessions and rehearsals has been unsatisfactory. The student has problems in acting as a group member. The capacity to formulate relevant problems associated with the cleaning and varnish removal of easel paintings is limited and the student has problems to apply theoretical studies to practical work. The reasoning in the rehearsal tasks is weak and the student has many gaps in his/her knowledge.
The student does not work independently and needs a lot of further guidance from the teacher. The student has not given enough attention to the subject, and he/she does not have a clear overall understanding of the subject.

Further information

Lectures, guided practical conservation-restoration work (cleaning of surface dirt and varnishes) with paintings