Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Gilder's bole 2. RE: VOC scrubbers 3. RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze 4. RE: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! 5. Biodeterioration of Limestone Structures 6. RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze 7. RE: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! 8. [FREE Training] Materials for Preserving Paper Collections 9. Job Posting: High Level Masonry Senior Stone Conservator 10. RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables 11. R-Codex project: Many thanks for your help! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Caroline Oliver Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45 AM Subject: RE: Gilder's bole Message: Dear All, Thank you so much for all the suggestions for suppliers. I'm aware of all the uk ones, and know of Sepp leaf in the US. The Eytzinger website looks interesting too, but shipping to the uk from abroad is ever more expensive. I haven't used the Sinopia brand yet but will give it a go. I suppose my original post was more of a plea for people not to throw away old, half empty pots of bole, but to find your local friendly gilding conservator! It also confirms that there aren't any other brands out there that I'm not aware of. It's a shame as the fewer brands there are, the fewer colours are available and the more mixing and tinkering it takes at my end. It's hard to make a bright, acidic yellow when you are starting with a very orange-yellow base (for example)! Thanks all.Caroline Caroline Oliver [email protected] 069165 www.coconservation.co.uk <http://www.coconservation.co.uk> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/22/2026 4:50:00 PM From: Steven Prins Subject: RE: Gilder's bole Dear Caroline, You will also find a good assortment of gilding supplies, including clay, at Sepp Leaf in NYC: https://www.seppleaf.com/products/supplies <https://www.seppleaf.com/products/supplies>. Sinopia in CA also makes bole: https://www.sinopia.com/water-gilding-grounds-gesso-and-bole-clays <https://www.sinopia.com/water-gilding-grounds-gesso-and-bole-clays>. Theirs can be found at other retailers, i.e. Jackson's in the UK. Hope that helps. Good luck. Best to all, Steven ------------------------------ Steven Prins Santa Fe, NM ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 08:13 From: Kristin Rattke Subject: Gilder's bole Dear Caroline Have you checked out the German gold leaf manufacturer Eytzinger yet? They have a large range of bole clay, including a bole powder without glue called Poliment-powder: https://www.eytzinger.com/products/poliment/ <https://www.eytzinger.com/products/poliment/> My friend and master gilder, Michelle Sachs, is Eytzinger's key account manager, so if you have any questions about the products or technical questions about gilding please feel free to contact her at [email protected] <[email protected]>. Best wishes from Berlin, Kristin Rattke Paintings conservator ------------------------------ Kristin Rattke Paintings Conservator in Private Practice Stavanger Norway ------------------------------ 2.From: Kristie Short-Traxler Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45 AM Subject: RE: VOC scrubbers Message: Hi, I have used a Phoenix Guardian HEPA with 4 stage filtration here in the UK and they are available in the US from HEPA Scrubbers and Negative Air Machine | Porta-Air, Inc (888) 519-1422 <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> Porta-air remove preview <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> HEPA Scrubbers and Negative Air Machine | Porta-Air, Inc (888) 519-1422 Porta-Air, Inc. offers scrubber rentals and sales ranging from 500 to 2000 CFM. All HEPA scrubbers meet 99.97% particulate removal rate per ASME and U.S. DOE testing standards. Porta-Air offers Phoenix, OmniTec and Abatement Technologies HEPA Systems. The Guardian HEPA can perform several critical air quality remediation functions simultaneously. View this on Porta-air > <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> For a 2,000 ft² gallery, the size of the air scrubber (or combination of scrubbers) depends on the ceiling height but the company can assist you in correct sizing. Whatever you end up using, I would suggest avoiding ionic, plasma, or PECO purifiers. Better to use only physical adsorption as electrostatic systems create ozone. I am assuming no collections present but ozone best avoided altogether! Prioritize deep-bed carbon canisters over thin carbon sheets for economy. If you are open to modifying your venue infrastructure, you could also choose to custom retrofit your HVAC from commercial filtration brands like Camfil USA or Purafil. Expensive and usually reserved for some very large multiple gallery refurbs. Hope this helps, Best, Kristie ------------------------------ Kristie Short-Traxler Independent Collection Care Consultant and Conservation Scientist Brighton and Hove United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 11:07 From: Jennifer Hadley Subject: VOC scrubbers We are laying new carpet and are in need of a VOC scrubber to help remove the smell and toxins in the adhesive from the air. Do you have any brands/models that you recommend? The carpet is in our galleries, which are around 2,000 sqft each. Thank You ------------------------------ Jennifer Hadley Textile/Objects Conservator LDS Church History Museum Salt Lake Cty United States ------------------------------ 3.From: Margaret Breuker Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 7:41 AM Subject: RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Message: Hi Megan, Olivia, Eleven plus years ago the NPS in the northeast switched over to hot waxing all of their outdoor monuments. I'd be happy to speak with you about what we have observed. Feel free to contact me and we can set up a time to discuss. Best, Margaret ------------------------------ Margaret Breuker Supervisory Project Specialist, Conservation, Construction, Strategic Planning and Training NPS Historic Architecture, Conservation, and Engineering Center Lowell United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-22-2026 16:30 From: Megan Escene Subject: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Hello Everyone, Our names are Olivia Fiore and Megan Escene. We are pre-program interns at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston conducting research on CO2 cleaning for an outdoor bronze sculpture. Has anyone had success in full removal of coating on bronze sculpture using CO2 blasting, without the need for additional strippers or solvents? Thank you, Megan Escene and Olivia Fiore ------------------------------ Objects Conservation Pre-Program Interns Department of Conservation and Scientific Research Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ------------------------------ 4.From: Marie Oedel Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 10:11 AM Subject: RE: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! Message: Is there a registration link? ------------------------------ Marie Oedel Book Conservator Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Wolfeboro United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-22-2026 10:01 From: Sarah Saetren Subject: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! AIC's Book and Paper Group and FAIC are excited to announce the upcoming symposium, Pressure Sensitive Tapes: Manufacture, Deterioration, and Evolving Approaches to Treatment. The two-day symposium will take place on October 4-5, 2027, at the Indiana State Library, followed by a hands-on workshop and tours on October 6. The symposium will be live-streamed so that those who cannot attend in-person can participate virtually. The program will refresh participants' understanding of the practical issues surrounding pressure sensitive tapes as well as gain knowledge of some of the evolving research and treatment approaches. Speakers will present on topics such as historic and modern manufacture of pressure sensitive tapes; characteristic deterioration pathways of different tape formulations; traditional and cutting-edge approaches to pressure sensitive tape removal and stain reduction; and ethical considerations when treating objects made of or having pressure sensitive tape. Stay tuned for the call for papers coming in August! ------------------------------ Sarah Saetren FAIC Education Manager ------------------------------ 5.From: Mia Taeyaerts Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 10:11 AM Subject: Biodeterioration of Limestone Structures Message: I am an MSc student at Imperial College London, originally from the US, studying sustainable materials engineering. For my thesis I am researching the biodeterioration of heritage structures, as I am passionate about preserving architecture as a form of art. I have chosen to focus specifically on the role that fungi play in both the acidic dissolution and physical weathering of limestone. I have begun collecting information from both the Mediterranean region and Northern Europe/UK. I wanted to ask if anyone in the US has encountered this issue or has any insight they would be able to share. If this is an issue you have encountered and you deal with conservation efforts, I have the following questions: Which interventions have actually worked well for you, and under what conditions do they fail? When you decide whether to remove fungal growth, what drives the decision most: aesthetics, public perception, long-term material risk, cost, or reversibility? How important are maintenance and environmental control compared with direct biocidal treatment? If you have any additional insight aside from these questions I would be more than happy to hear! Thank you. ------------------------------ Mia Taeyaerts MSc Student Imperial College London London, GB ------------------------------ 6.From: Brian Cullen Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 10:12 AM Subject: RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Message: Not a big fan of blasting bronze. have not tried CO2 but all blasting involves Peening the surface of the metal. which removes hard building up on the surface. it is less effective on softer coatings. Blasting dose effect the surface of the metal. What coating are you trying to remove? Most lacquers and all waxes can be removed using solvents. some coatings like Urethane epoxies and enamels to chemical remove require much harsher chemicals which must be very carefully handled. these are corrosive to metals can damage adjacent surfaces. Avoid any of the new "Safe stripers" these are acidic and require dwell times that can considerably etch the metal. Always before applying any coating to any surface have a plain to safely remove it. Hot wax is a great option, Cold application of Microcryatline wax also works will and is much safer to apply and less chance fo damaging adjacent materials. . i add a little dye. to avoid visible white wax building up in recesses. Better too much wax than to little. cleaning out the corners can remove too much from surrounding surfaces. ------------------------------ Brian Cullen [email protected] 703-336-3342 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-22-2026 16:30 From: Megan Escene Subject: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Hello Everyone, Our names are Olivia Fiore and Megan Escene. We are pre-program interns at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston conducting research on CO2 cleaning for an outdoor bronze sculpture. Has anyone had success in full removal of coating on bronze sculpture using CO2 blasting, without the need for additional strippers or solvents? Thank you, Megan Escene and Olivia Fiore ------------------------------ Objects Conservation Pre-Program Interns Department of Conservation and Scientific Research Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ------------------------------ 7.From: Sarah Saetren Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:39 AM Subject: RE: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! Message: Not yet! There will be a link to the call for papers next month and then we will open registration probably in December/January once we have the speakers selected. ------------------------------ Sarah Saetren FAIC Education Manager ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-23-2026 07:53 From: Marie Oedel Subject: Pressure Sensitive Tapes Symposium - Save the Date! Is there a registration link? ------------------------------ Marie Oedel Book Conservator Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Wolfeboro United States ------------------------------ 8.From: Diana Bencatel Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:39 AM Subject: [FREE Training] Materials for Preserving Paper Collections Message: Hi! Join this free 1-hour training where youll discover tools and equipment that support key conservation actions, from environmental monitoring and cleaning to proper storage and small emergency repairs. Save your seat now: English session: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/materialsregist <https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/materialsregist> Portuguese session: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/inscricaomateriais <https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/inscricaomateriais> See you soon! Diana Bencatel Collections Conservator 9.From: Reed Hudson Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:40 AM Subject: Job Posting: High Level Masonry Senior Stone Conservator Message: Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are the lead body for Scotland's historic environment; a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are seeking a skilled and qualified Stone Conservator to join the Collections and Applied Conservation (C&AC) department and lead a small team dedicated to responding to the conservation needs identified by the High Level Masonry (HLM) Project. In this role you will lead and deliver the Conservation Programme for high-level carved decorative stone across our estate of Properties in Care (PiCs). This is a full-time, permanent and pensionable position based at South Gyle Conservation Centre in Edinburgh, with a starting salary of £43,227 pro rata, per year. About the Role The C&AC team is responsible for the care, conservation and management of HES collections and loans across the estate, as well as associated fabric. Our collections span over 5,000 years of human history and range from small archaeological finds to large industrial machinery. We care for some of Scotland's most culturally significant objects, including the Honours of Scotland and the St Andrews Sarcophagus, with more than 45,000 objects distributed across more than 140 locations throughout Scotland. Our team of Stone Conservators are focused on the conservation of carved and decorative stonework at our PiCs and on our collections of artefacts. The HLM project was established to inspect PiCs with high-level masonry at risk of falling, and to identify and address areas where conservation is needed. As some sites will have restricted access while inspections and conservation works are conducted, the project also looks at facilitating access and finding new ways to tell the stories of those PiCs. The HLM project is a key corporate priority and a proactive step in managing the sites in our care within a changing environment, as well as fulfilling our statutory duties to our people, visitors and contractors. As HLM Senior Stone Conservator, you will lead a small team dedicated to the HLM Project and will line manage an HLM Stone Conservator. You will be the main point of contact within the C&AC department for enquiries related to HLM, and will be responsible for programme management and reporting. About You You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and qualifications below as part of the selection process. · SCQF Level 9 <https://scqf.org.uk/the-framework/interactive-framework/> qualification in Stone Conservation (or equivalent discipline), or demonstrable work experience in Stone Conservation · Extensive knowledge of the conservation of stone sculptural and architectural details coupled with strong conservation ethics in line with HES' conservation principles · Demonstrable experience working in the conservation field, with specialist knowledge of the treatment of stone · An understanding of stone as a material (geological type and composition), stone decay and weathering patterns, and ability to produce condition assessments based on this knowledge · Demonstrable dexterity and tool skills, to be illustrated via a portfolio of projects at the interview stage · Demonstrable experience in project and/or programme management · Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook for managing emails, Word for writing high-quality reports, and Excel · Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to provide support, advice, and advocacy in a cultural heritage setting · Self-motivated, able to work autonomously, take initiative and responsibility Experience in managing a large portfolio of work and ability to work with stakeholders and as part of a team to prioritise project delivery and make decisions effectively and collaboratively · Full UK driving licence to support travel across the estate, including to remote sites where equipment transport is required, or if non-UK driving licence holder, willingness to convert within first 12 months of employment Good understanding of Health and Safety regulations and evidence of appropriate working practices Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions Support for further education and personal development Study leave for work related courses Flexible working hours (where appropriate) Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests) Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties For more information about the role and how to apply, please view the full Job Advertisement <https://ekov.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2001/job/427/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share>. ------------------------------ Reed Hudson Senior Metals Conservator Historic Environment Scotland Edinburgh United Kingdom ------------------------------ 10.From: Craig Deller Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:40 AM Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Message: Hi Arianna, True, aliphatic hydrocarbons, etc. will disrupt wax pretty easily, even when the wax is melted into the porous slate. Occasional reapplication may be impractical; Im not sure. Perhaps a pure tung oil, but that takes a month to fully cure. Just a thought; would love to hear what you come up with. Craig Craig DellerCultural Heritage ConservatorFellow-AIC / IIC LinkedIn Profile <https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-deller-faic-fiic-80b8a6374/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/22/2026 10:15:00 AM From: Arianna Carini Johnston Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Hi Craig, Thanks for the suggestion, but this is exactly the opposite of what we'd want. We regularly work with solvents like mineral spirits, stoddard solvent, and occasionally acids and bases and we would not want anything significantly reactive or migratory in our working surface. I also think of wax as quite a bulky molecule that I don't think would penetrate very deeply into the porous slate. I agree with your assessment of a resin or an oil as well. Best, Arianna ------------------------------ Arianna Carini Johnston Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 12:39 From: Craig Deller Subject: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Hi Arianna, My first thought (after a good cleaning) would be to melt a hardened mix of microcrystalline wax onto the surface. By hardened, I mean the addition of Polywax 2000 to Multiwax 835, or some variation.A resin may delaminate and oil doesn't seem practical Hope that is useful,Craig Craig DellerCultural Heritage ConservatorFellow-AIC / IIC LinkedIn Profile <https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-deller-faic-fiic-80b8a6374/> 11.From: Elisabeth Dagrada Posted: Thursday July 23, 2026 11:41 AM Subject: R-Codex project: Many thanks for your help! Message: Dear colleagues, Thank you very much for your time and responses regarding to our survey "Survey: Conservation Bindings of Western Medieval Manuscripts". We are grateful to annouce that two articles are published in Journal of Paper Conservation presenting the results of our R-CODEX project (Reliures de Conservation et Démarche Expérimentale). We hope that our works will bring you some information to feed your practicise and your knowledge. Please let find our articles below : - Conservation Bindings - Bound for the Future: A Fresh Look at Medieval Manuscript Preservation in France - Survey Results1 <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18680860.2026.2633503> - https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18680860.2026.2652988#d1e128 <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/18680860.2026.2652988#d1e128> Best to all. ------------------------------ Élisabeth Dagrada Book Conservator Bibliothèque interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne 17 rue de la Sorbonne, 75005 PARIS FRANCE +33 1 40 46 30 63 ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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