Contributions to the 5th AICCM Book, Paper and Photographic Materials Symposium. Editors: Prue McKay and Alana Treasure. Canberra, ACT: AICCM (Inc.), 2008.
Abstract
Inpainting may be applied to original paper surfaces to visually compensate for areas of media loss or damage. Barrier layers such as methyl cellulose and gelatin are commonly applied between the paper surface and the inpainting media to prevent or reduce the media penetrating the paper, allowing what is believed to be reversible or partially reversible inpainting. This study investigates the extent of the reversibility of inpainting onto an original paper surface with wet media over a barrier layer. Methyl cellulose and gelatin barrier layers were applied in varying concentrations to three paper types of different absorbency and texture. Watercolour inpainting was applied to these dried layers, and removed after a short aging time. The extent of the reversibility of this technique was assessed. From the experiments conducted, both barrier layer materials were found to allow wet media inpainting applied to be completely removed to the extent that it is no longer visually detectable in natural light, provided that the barrier layer application and concentration is appropriate for the type of paper being treated.
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