Benchmarking Lining Techniques: New Research on the Structural Stabilisation of Canvas Paintings
- Kate Seymour | Founder and CEO
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
We are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in Studies in Conservation by Nikita Shah, Kate Seymour, Johan A. Poulis, and Yashar Mosleh:
“A Comparative Study of Bond Strength, Reversibility, and Projected Long-Term Durability of Lining Techniques for the Structural Stabilisation of Canvas Paintings.”Studies in Conservation, 70(5), 386–403.DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2024.2391685
Why It Matters
Lining—reinforcing canvas paintings by attaching a secondary support—has been used for centuries. Yet, despite its long history, conservation practice has lacked systematic data comparing the strength, stability, and reversibility of different lining systems.
Choices have often been guided by tradition or regional practice rather than robust comparative evidence. This study seeks to fill that gap, offering conservation professionals and students a more scientific basis for decision-making.
The Study
The researchers tested five widely used adhesives/lining systems:
Traditional glue-paste
Wax-resin
BEVA® 371 (synthetic resin, heat-seal)
Plextol® B500 (acrylic dispersion, cold-setting)
A mixture of Dispersion K360 + Plextol® D512 (acrylic dispersion)
Using mock paintings constructed with primed linen and lining canvas, each system was applied under controlled conditions. Samples were divided into two sets:
Unaged: left in stable conditions.
Aged: exposed to cycles of fluctuating temperature and relative humidity to simulate environmental stress.
Bond strength was measured with lap-shear (shear resistance) and T-peel (peel resistance) tests. Microscopic cross-sections were also studied to evaluate adhesive penetration and stability. The weight gain after lining was measured as well as the amount of adhesive remaining on the reverse of the original canvas.
Key Results
No universal “best” system. Each adhesive showed trade-offs between strength, stability, and reversibility.
Wax-resin performed poorly in shear tests and showed voids and delamination under ageing.
Glue-paste provided strong initial adhesion but weakened with environmental cycling.
BEVA® 371 showed consistent performance in both shear and peel strength, with fewer voids under the microscope.
Acrylic dispersions (Plextol® B500 and K360+D512) demonstrated stable bonding under ageing, though in some cases adhesion increased, potentially complicating reversibility.
Application method matters. Samples applied with controlled systems (vacuum/low-pressure envelopes) produced more consistent results than hand-applied linings, which showed greater variability.
Why This Is Important for Conservators
This research reinforces a crucial point: the “right” lining system depends on context.
Bond strength vs. reversibility: Stronger adhesion may secure a painting but can reduce options for safe retreatment in the future.
Environmental sensitivity: Some adhesives are more vulnerable to fluctuations in humidity and temperature, leading to long-term instability.
Consistency of application: Modern controlled methods may provide more reliable results than traditional hand-lining.
For students, the study demonstrates how scientific testing can inform practice, bridging material science and conservation ethics. For practitioners, it provides comparative data to guide decision-making, beyond anecdotal experience.
Looking Forward
The authors emphasize that this work is a starting point. More research across different adhesives, fabrics, and environmental regimes is needed to create a comprehensive benchmark database for conservation. Such resources could transform teaching and practice, helping future conservators make decisions grounded in both tradition and evidence.
📖 Read the full article here:
A Comparative Study of Bond Strength, Reversibility, and Projected Long-Term Durability of Lining Techniques for the Structural Stabilisation of Canvas Paintings
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