Restoration Case Study

Stabilization of Localized Paint Loss in a Mixed-Media Artwork

Ref: TPA272-2025-003CBA | Tony Ng Conservation Studio

Artist

Saiyyidah Maryam aminah binti zulkafli

Date

2023

Medium

Mixed Media On Canvas

Dimensions

60 x 60 cm

Location

Malaysia

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Artist Profile

Saiyyidah Maryam aminah binti zulkafli is a Malaysian contemporary artist known for her culturally resonant mixed-media explorations.

In "Cerita Alis Di Tanah Melayu", the artist utilizes a highly tactile approach, incorporating acrylic, ink, and fabric collage directly onto the canvas to narrate local heritage. No visible signature is observed on the recto, but identification labels are present on the verso.

Materials & Structure

Support Canvas (60 x 60 cm). Overall structural tension remains fundamentally adequate.

Medium Mixed Media (Acrylic, Ink, Fabric Collage). Highly heterogeneous material layers with varying physical properties.

Surface Integrity Before treatment, the artwork exhibited paint peeling and instability of the adhesive itself, leading to paint loss.

I. Comparative Evidence

* Note: Photographic documentation taken at different stages of treatment may exhibit slight color variations due to differences in ambient lighting and studio capture conditions.

Overall State: Before Treatment

Overall State: After Treatment

Detail (Delamination Area): Before

Detail (Consolidated Structure): After

II. Condition Summary

Initial examination observed localized paint peeling on the surface of this mixed-media artwork, likely associated with instability of the binding medium in certain areas.

Treatment focused on stabilizing the affected paint layers while preserving the artist’s original matte and textural qualities.

III. Treatment Protocol

PHASE I

Surface Preparation: Use a soft-bristled brush for gentle dry mechanical cleaning to remove loose, particulate dirt from the surface.

PHASE II

Structural Consolidation: Localized consolidation of the paint layer was carried out using Paraloid B-72 to improve stability in the affected area.

PHASE III

Preventive Conservation: In consideration of the material sensitivities inherent to mixed-media works, a coating of Laropal A81 with microcrystalline wax was applied. The Laropal A81 layer serves as a stable sacrificial coating that may be removed in future treatments with minimal risk of disturbing the underlying Paraloid B-72 consolidant.

IV. Conservation Materials

Consolidant System

Paraloid B-72 (diluted) – localized paint layer consolidation

Dry Cleaning System

Soft brushes and cosmetic cotton pads – non-abrasive dry surface cleaning

Varnishing (Omitted)

Laropal A81 with microcrystalline wax – protective sacrificial coating

V. Care Recommendations

Temperature Control

Maintain at 21°C - 24°C (70-75°F). Keep away from direct heat sources (e.g., radiators, hot water pipes) to prevent blistering or further binder deterioration.

Relative Humidity (RH)

Maintain between 40% and 60%. Due to the hygroscopic nature of fabric, extreme humidity fluctuations will cause the canvas and fabric to expand/contract at different rates, potentially reactivating delamination.

Light Exposure Limitation

Avoid direct sunlight or strong halogen/fluorescent lighting. We recommend using zero-UV LED lighting (2700K-3000K) to prevent irreversible fading of inks and fabrics.

Routine Maintenance

Only a clean, soft dry brush is recommended to lightly dust the surface. Strictly prohibit the use of household cleaners or damp cloths on the mixed-media surface.

VI. Technical Documentation

Fig. 01 – Microscopic Examination
Microscopic view showing localized paint loss and exposed underlying material.

Fig. 02 – Microscopic Examination
Close-up microscopic image revealing instability of the paint layer and fragmentation of the binding medium.

Fig. 03 – UV Fluorescence
Ultraviolet examination revealing variations in fluorescence across the mixed-media surface.

Fig. 04 – Pre-treatment Close-up
Close-up detail of the affected area before treatment, showing localized paint loss and surface disruption.

Statement of Integrity

Authorized Disclosure & Privacy: This conservation case study is published under strict contractual agreement and explicit consent from the collector (as the Transparency Education Initiative Pilot Project Artwork No. 003). All proprietary and sensitive details regarding artwork ownership have been redacted to ensure absolute collector privacy.

Scientific Objective: This report aims to demystify the science of art conservation through empirical documentation. We advocate that authentic restoration strikes a balance between structural stabilization and the preservation of historical integrity, rather than merely pursuing aesthetic renewal that strips away the passage of time.

Heritage Contribution: This record serves as a public teaching case, intended to build a robust technical knowledge base and intervention reference for artwork preservation in Malaysia's tropical climate.

Special Initiative

Transparency Education Initiative

View Details ↓

Education Partner Support: Painting up to 60% / Sculpture 30% Collaboration Rate

Selected restoration projects may opt to participate as Education Partners in this initiative. In exchange for documenting the restoration process as a public case study (with sensitive information redacted), the studio provides substantial professional fee support for such collectors.

Core Purpose

Aims to improve public awareness and understanding of conservation ethics and preservation science through real-world case documentation and before-and-after comparisons.

Funding & Service Support

• Easel Painting Conservation: Up to 60% support on service fees
• Sculpture Conservation: 30% support on service fees for selected cases
• Public Education Access: Provision of pre/post-treatment technical images, scientific analysis, and routine care recommendations

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