Removal of Bats’ Excreta from Water-Soluble Wall Paintings Using Temporary Hydrophobic Coating

A novel two-step cleaning method using Cyclododecane (CDD) and phytagel successfully removed bat guano from water-sensitive wall paintings at India's Ajanta Caves without damaging the underlying proteinaceous binder. The study demonstrated that CDD, a volatile hydrophobic coating, effectively protected painted surfaces from moisture ingress while allowing for selective cleaning with de-ionized water. This approach avoids the risks associated with traditional aqueous methods, which can compromise the integrity of the paint and plaster layers. The findings highlight the potential of this reversible consolidant technique for preserving similar sites globally, offering a less invasive solution for guano removal in sensitive archaeological contexts.

Singh, M. R., & Gupta, D. A. (2020). Removal of Bats’ Excreta from Water-Soluble Wall Paintings Using Temporary Hydrophobic Coating. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, 60(4), 269–280. https://doi.org/10.1080/01971360.2020.1734749