The work on the "Whaam!" masterpiece by Roy Lichtenstein proceeds at TATE and researchers and conservators are evaluating different cleaning strategies, included commonly used materials such as deionised, adjusted and buffered waters, organic solvents (alcohols, hydrocarbons and silicones), and water-based systems with added chelating agents and surfactants. These cleaning fluids are being loaded into hydrogels. The range of gels evaluated include natural polysaccharide-based rigid gels (Agarose and Gellan gum), silicone emulsifiers (Velvesil Plus, Shin-Etsu KSG 210 and Shin-Etsu KSG 350z) and a rigid chemical hydrogel made of poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (known as Nanorestore Gel® Extra Dry). Finally, the polyvinyl alcohol-based gels developed by CSGI, NANORESTART project leaders are being tested.

Here you can find the complete post published on the TATE website.