Inorganic consolidants on stone artifacts: optimisation of application procedures for marble and limestones

In the framework of the Eu-Artech project a research study was carried out, aiming at developing "good conservation practices" based on inorganic products. Barium hydroxide and ammonium oxalate were studied and compared with ethyl silicate as a reference. Both treatments were applied on Gioia marble and in a porous limestone (Anca stone) testing two different procedures: by immersion of the stone sample in the solution, and by application of poultices as support of the solution on the sample surface. Evaluating the performances by means of water absorption, colour variation and drilling force measurement, the most effective treatment procedures were identified.