Cleaning and Varnish RemovalLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

The student is able to analyse different types of surface dirt / varnish and other surface coatings and choose a suitable cleaning method and materials (including solvents) for the painting to be cleaned / conserved, depending on the type of surface dirt. Also considering the level and extent of cleaning to achieve an ethically and aesthetically acceptable end-result.
The student is able to mix and test suitable solvents and solvent mixtures for surface cleaning, varnish and other dirt removal from paintings.
After the course, students have the ability to mix suitable solvents themselves to remove different types of dirt and have the skills to clean paintings safely.
Students are familiar with the safety of solvents and the properties and procurement options for solvents and other materials needed for cleaning.

Competences: skills, related to working with professional literature, practical conservation-restoration skills, material analysis skills, documentation skills, teamwork skills, internationality and multiculturality skills.

Content

Different cleaning methods and materials for paintings and their testing in practice. Solvent Material Information and Safety Data Sheets.
Identification of types of dirt. Cleaning of surface dirt, removing varnish and removing other types of dirt and overpainting / discoloured retouching from paintings. Solubility tests, TEAS triangles and solubility parameters.
Possibilities of using solvent gels and gel compresses in cleaning / varnish removal.

Qualifications

Introduction to paintings conservation
Chemistry I (inorganic chemistry) and pigments
Chemistry I continuation (lab work and organic chemistry)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student is able to understand the basic concepts of cleaning and varnish removal of different types of paintings and knows at a basic level the related theory, materials, material safety, tools and working methods. The student masters the basics of the course and understands the main content of the course. The student understands the necessary theoretical and applied principles related to the topic. The student is able to acquire some information independently. The student has difficulties in interpreting the acquired knowledge and choosing suitable working methods and materials. The student has difficulty justifying the choices made. Practical work is not independent enough and there are shortcomings in the end-result. The student has difficulty acting as a group member in an encouraging and group-strengthening way.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student outlines well the basic ideas and concepts, materials, material safety, techniques and equipment for cleaning and varnish removal of different types of paintings. The student demonstrates a good theoretical and applied knowledge. The student is able to justify the choices he / she has made expertly and the application in practice proceeds consistently in accordance with the practices of the professional field. The student masters the whole in both theory and practice and has achieved a good level of knowledge and skills. The work has been sufficiently independent and the result of the practical work is good. The student is able to acquire information independently and is able to critically analyse this information. As a member of the group, the student acts to encourage and strengthen the work of the group.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has a very good command of the basic ideas and concepts, cleaning, material safety, techniques and equipment for cleaning and varnish removal from different types of paintings, and has achieved an excellent level of knowledge and skills. The student demonstrates excellent theoretical and applied knowledge and is able to apply well what he or she has learned. The student is able to work largely independently on both written and skill-based assignments. The student is able to acquire information independently and to analyse and apply information. The student participates in the discussion with arguments, using the concepts of the field. The student is able to justify the choices he / she has made expertly, and the application in practice proceeds consistently in accordance with the practices of the professional field. The result of the practical work is at a very good professional level. The student works consistently, showing initiative and creative problem-solving ability. As a member of the group, the student acts to encourage and strengthen the work of the group.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to understand the basic concepts of cleaning and varnish removal of different types of paintings and knows at a basic level the related theory, materials, material safety, tools and working methods. The student masters the basics of the course and understands the main content of the course. The student understands the necessary theoretical and applied principles related to the topic. The student is able to acquire some information independently. The student has difficulties in interpreting the acquired knowledge and choosing suitable working methods and materials. The student has difficulty justifying the choices made. Practical work is not independent enough and there are shortcomings in the end-result. The student has difficulty acting as a group member in an encouraging and group-strengthening way.

Further information

The weekly working hours of a student is 1,5 cr, which is equivalent to 40 hours of studies and independent work. 40 hours is formed from approx. 20- 22 hours of contact studies with a lecturer. The remaining hours are dedicated for independent literature survey or independent practical work. 1 credit (cr) is equivalent to 26 study / practical work hours (h).