THE USE OF DIRECT REACTIVE FLUORESCENT DYES FOR THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BINDING MEDIA IN CROSS SECTIONAL EXAMINATIONS

A brief review of current methods and materials used for media characterization on small cross-sectioned samples of painted or varnished structures is presented. Both the limitations and advantages of these techniques are discussed, along with general criteria for the successful performance of such stains. Several fluorescent reactive dyes are currently available to meet these requirements. Their application, and usefulness as microscopic reagents is presented in a case study type of format. Painted and varnished structures of all types are covered by these examinations. Current interest in, and techniques for, the micro-chemical characterization of binding media in small samples removed from artifacts or paintings seem to derive from a very few seminal sources within the conservation field itself(1,2,3). Where credit is acknowledged, contemporary publications in both archi-tectural and fine arts preservation point to Joyce Plester’s article which appeared in Studies in Conser-vation, 1956, as a key source work(4). In it she provided an excellent review of sampling techniques, mounting materials and micro-chemical tests available at the time for characterizing under the micro-scope binding materials, and indicated something of its history, and both the benefits and limitations of such applied techniques. The methods, at least, have remained largely unchanged since Plesters ’ work