A Comparative Study of Bond Strength, Reversibility, and Projected Long-Term Durability of Lining Techniques for the Structural Stabilisation of Canvas Paintings

Lining techniques for the treatment of structurally damaged canvas paintings have been in use since at least the seventeenth century, with on-going invention, development, and refinement. These systems can be categorised based on their adhesive component – natural or synthetic – or by their application procedure, such as water-based, hot-melt, cold-lining, nap-bond lining, or mist-lining. The choice of lining system is often influenced by geographical practice and individual expertise rather than purely material-technical considerations, as comprehensive data for benchmarking different systems is limited in both literature and practice. This paper aims to address this gap in knowledge by comparing various lining adhesives and their application techniques. The adhesives under examination include glue-paste, wax-resin, BEVA® 371, Plextol® B500, and Dispersion K360:Plextol® D512. Mock-linings were designed to reduce variables and ensure standardisation. Previously reported recipes and descriptions of studio application techniques were used where possible to create the mock-linings. These were subsequently subjected to stress/strain through exposure to cyclic fluctuations in relative humidity (RH) and temperature (T) to simulate mechanical-physical ageing. Both unaged and aged samples underwent lap-shear and T-peel tests according to ASTM standards, as reported in earlier studies. The data presented here can assist conservators and scientists in establishing requirements and making informed decisions tailored to the specific needs of each painting. Results indicate that each lining technique has its own limitations, and the suitability of a given technique will depend on the type of treatment necessary for stabilising individual paintings.