Evolon® CR Microfibre Cloth as a Tool for Varnish Removal

This research investigates the effects of varnish removal from oil paintings using Evolon® CR microfibre cloth. Nine interviews were conducted with conservators, leading to an inventory of current Evolon® applications. Based on the interviews, experiments were devised to assess the properties of Evolon® and its effects during varnish removal from oil paintings in comparison to cotton swabs. Observations were made using the naked eye, microscopy (stereomicroscopy, Hirox®3D Digital Microscopy, Micro Reflectance Transformation Imaging (Micro-RTI)) and photography in both ultraviolet (UV) and daylight fluorescent lights. Furthermore, the solvent distribution behavior for the different application methods was visualized using a gelatin substrate and a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) fluorescent stain in ethanol. Application methods influence the efficacy of varnish removal, the solvent effect on the (paint) surface, the amount of solvent used and the solvent distribution. In general, this research revealed that in comparison with the use of cotton swabs, Evolon® facilitates the use of lower amounts of solvent and a reduction in mechanical action at the paint surface. This is potentially advantageous for cleaning solvent-sensitive paint surfaces. This practical approach will serve to guide conservators considering using this material for the first time.