Material analysis
Artwork conservation is largely based on physicochemical property characteristics obtained from analyzing mediums, materials, and their supports. Developing the artwork material database contributes to art history studies.
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- Information gathering and photographing
- Infrared and ultraviolet photography
- Microscopy photography
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- Chromaticity analysis
- Inorganic component analysis (XRF, SEM-EDS, XRD)
- Organic component analysis (FT-IR, Raman, GC-MS)
Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy
Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) can be used for analyzing almost any solid, gas or liquid samples, providing accurate properties of organic compounds and certain inorganic compounds.
Conservators use FT-IR is to characterize medium and varnishes as well as binder in paints with respect to oil paintings.
