Publications
Comparative in Situ Study of Nanolime, Ethyl Silicate and Acrylic Resin for Consolidation of Wall Paintings with High Water and Salt Contents at the Chapter Hall of Chartres Cathedral
Acrylic resin emerged as the most effective consolidant for wall paintings with high water and salt content, demonstrating significant consolidation without altering water absorption or repellency, despite minor white spot formation. Nanolime failed to improve superficial cohesion, leaving persistent whitish lime spots, while ethyl silicate showed no measurable consolidating effect but retained hydrophobicity over 15 months. The study, conducted on the 14th-century wall paintings in Chartres Cathedral's Chapter Hall, employed comparative in situ testing of these materials, with long-term monitoring of temperature and humidity to assess their compatibility and durability.
Nd:YAG long Q-switched versus short free-running laser cleaning trials at Chartres cathedral, France
Laser cleaning trials using Nd:YAG (1064 nm) devices on outdoor sculptures at Chartres Cathedral, France, revealed that short free-running (SFR) mode at 300 mJ output energy and long Q-switched (LQS) mode at 150 mJ output energy effectively preserved the oxalate layer lining the stone surface while removing black crust. The LQS mode resulted in a slightly yellowed appearance, whereas the SFR mode produced a darker but less yellow surface. Microscopic and scanning electron microscope analyses confirmed that both laser regimes maintained the oxalate layer, with minimal trace of black crust remaining under the chosen operating conditions. These findings suggest that precise control over laser parameters can optimize cleaning efficacy while safeguarding the stone's structural integrity.
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