Etablering av trinn-2 søknad til NMP-21-2014: Novel hybrid polymer varnish additive for increased lifetime preservation of paintings

NOVAPREP will bring to market a new product for painting varnishes. It will be created specifically for painting conservation so that it can be added to traditional varnishes. Using emergent technology, the project will develop an additive based on an org anic-inorganic hybrid polymer technology that can be tailored to the needs of the heritage conservation community. The technology has been developed and patented under the name FunzioNano by one of the partners and it has already been applied successfully to other applications. The additive will increase the lifetime of existing varnishes, reduce oxygen concentration at the paint surface and maintain its ease of removal over time without compromising optical qualities. This goes beyond any existing produc t, at lower cost and with more testing directly related to heritage contexts. NOVAPREP will use patented, applied technology based on renewable resources to bring low-cost, ecologically sound and innovative solutions to the European market and beyond. By working with the varnish layer of paintings, the paint layer itself will not be affected by the introduction of new materials. The NOVAPREP project will apply these innovative technologies sensitively and reversibly for an ethical and sustainable approach to preservation and investigation. As one of the least understood parts of the painting, tests will improve understanding of varnishes already in museum collections as well as direct and modify the creation of the NOVAPREP additive. The unique collaborat ion of polymer chemists, conservation scientists, producers and practising conservators will lead to a focussed application, aware of the ethical and professional contexts, as well as the market. The project will develop strategies for use and work with p ractitioners at all stages to ensure relevance and benefit to cultural heritage.