Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables 2. RE: Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation 2026 3. Advice sought: Protecting a faded felt-tip marker signature on unprimed cotton textile 4. Call for Imaging Tips Presentations – Sept 30, 11am-12pm ET 5. RE: VOC scrubbers 6. RE: VOC scrubbers 7. RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze 8. RE: IMAGO. International Workshop on Imaging techniques for Documentation, Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Brian Cullen Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 6:41 AM Subject: RE: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables Message: I would guess you do not want sealers or other coatings that could react with your work or burn if heated. the old slate tables in my high school lab were Belgian black stone, probably better clarified as limestone. very dence stone often initially treated with a penetrating oil (some times submerged in a vat, to give it a rich dark look and prevent staining or uneven staining that occures before a consistent patina is created or a head start to that patina. True Belgin Black has not been mined for many years. Your stone is probably not as dense as that but treated the same. you can hone it to level the surface and remove some of the surface scratching than apply oil. initially this might only serve to eventuate some of the deeper penetrated staining but over time i should even out. ------------------------------ Brian Cullen [email protected] 703-336-3342 ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-20-2026 15:07 From: Arianna Carini Johnston Subject: Refinishing slate countertops and lab tables After 25 years of heavy use, we are looking to refresh our slate counters and table tops in our lab spaces. The slate appears thirsty and inconsistent in color, but we are hesitant to apply a commercial sealant or oil without understanding how it will affect the surface or age. We also acknowledge polishing the surface would be the ideal first step, but we do not have the equipment, expertise, or time. They don't need to be perfect afterwards, just... better. Any recommendations or other experiences with large scale slate are appreciated. Thanks! ------------------------------ Arianna Carini Johnston Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Lab ------------------------------ 2.From: Lu Allington-Jones Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 6:42 AM Subject: RE: Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation 2026 Message: Hi everyone, Registration is now open at SPPC 2026 - Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation - Geological Collections Group <https://www.geocollections.org/events/191-sppc-2026> and will close on 16th October. You can jointly register there for the Geological Collections Group (GCG) Winter Seminar and AGM as well. For more information about SPPC, and past abstracts please see: SPPC - Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation - Geological Collections Group <https://www.geocollections.org/events/97-sppc> Abstract submission is also open please send <200 words and an image to [email protected] <[email protected]> by 1st September 2026 and let us know if it is for a poster or platform presentation. Best wishes, Lu, Nigel and Kieran (SPPC Committee) ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 4/3/2026 11:30:00 AM From: Lu Allington-Jones Subject: Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation 2026 Hi everyone, This year the Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation (SPPC) will be held on 17th November in Manchester (UK), immediately preceding the Geological Collections Group (GCG) Winter Seminar and AGM. For more information about SPPC and past abstracts please see: SPPC - Symposium on Palaeontological Preparation and Conservation - Geological Collections Group <https://www.geocollections.org/events/97-sppc> Abstract submission will close 1st September 2026. Best wishes, Lu, Nigel and Kieran (SPPC Committee) 3.From: Elisabetta Bosetti Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 6:43 AM Subject: Advice sought: Protecting a faded felt-tip marker signature on unprimed cotton textile Message: Dear colleagues, I would greatly appreciate your advice on a challenging conservation issue I am currently working on. The object is a 1972 textile monoprint on what appears to be unprimed cotton. It bears a black felt-tip (marker) signature that has already faded significantly. The owner is asking whether there is any treatment that could help slow down further deterioration of the signature. The artwork is not intended for display at present. It will be stored under appropriate archival conditions, and if it is exhibited in the future, it will of course be framed with UV-filtering glass or acrylic, along with all appropriate preventive measures. While searching for possible solutions, I came across Marabu Clearshield® Classic, which is described as providing UV protection for printed surfaces ( the product has a pH 8.2–8.5). I have no experience with this product and wonder whether anyone in this group has used it or encountered a similar conservation problem. One idea I have considered is applying the product very locally to the signature with a fine brush. However, I am concerned about the potential risks of introducing a water-based coating onto an unprimed cotton textile, particularly the possibility of disturbing or altering the original marker. Has anyone dealt with a comparable situation, or can you recommend an alternative approach or product? I would be very grateful for any experiences, references, or suggestions you would be willing to share. Many thanks in advance! ------------------------------ Elisabetta Bosetti Paintings Conservator-restorer Malerikonservator Elisabetta Bosetti Bagsvaerd (CPH) Denmark ------------------------------ 4.From: Tessa de Alarcon Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 8:27 AM Subject: Call for Imaging Tips Presentations – Sept 30, 11am-12pm ET Message: The next quarterly Imaging Working Group (IWG) meeting is scheduled for Wed, Sept 30, 11am-12pm ET, and we are planning a virtual imaging tips session! We want to hear your practical, inexpensive, and creative hacks and solutions that helped you tackle recent imaging projects. What new tool improved your imaging setup? What trick reduced the cost of an equipment upgrade? These tips, tricks, and tools can be focused on equipment, setups, workflows, viewers, tools, and more. This session is focused on imaging to support conservation which can cross different specialty groups and include conservators, imaging specialists, scientists and more who are interested in and use imaging as part of their conservation work. You do not have to be an IWG member to submit a tip or to attend the meeting! We are looking for informal, short (~5-min) presentations that share your tip with the imaging community using slides or storytelling. Interested? Send a brief (2-3 sentence) description of what you would like to share and a brief bio to Keats Webb ([email protected] <[email protected]>) by Friday, August 7. If you want to send your submission sooner, do not hesitate to submit before the deadline. ------------------------------ Tessa de Alarcon Conservator Penn Museum Philadelphia PA [email protected] ------------------------------ 5.From: Kristie Short-Traxler Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 11:20 AM Subject: RE: VOC scrubbers Message: Hi Jennifer, Apologies as my response was truncated for some reason yesterday and only posted the link. Here in the UK, I have used A Phoenix Guardian HEPA with carbon filter, Camfil and others. In the US, you can contact companies like the one in the link (Porta Air Inc). I have not used them myself but see they have brands I recognise. Whatever model you choose, I suggest avoiding electrostatic scrubbers as they create Ozone. The critical point is to specify activated carbon (or carbon/potassium permanganate) VOC filters. A standard HEPA air scrubber alone will do very little to remove carpet off-gassing. Also make sure that you are adding sufficient amounts of activated carbon filters or other suitable VOC absorbers. For a 2,000 ft² gallery, the size of the air scrubber (or combination of scrubbers) depends on the ceiling height but the rental or purchase company will help you size accordingly. Another option is to modify the existing HVAC system for the building. We did this with Camfil for a research library in the early 2000s. More expensive way to go but depends on how frequent / extensive your gallery refurbs will be. Hope this helps, Kristie ------------------------------ Kristie Short-Traxler Independent Collection Care Consultant and Conservation Scientist Brighton and Hove United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 11:07 From: Jennifer Hadley Subject: VOC scrubbers We are laying new carpet and are in need of a VOC scrubber to help remove the smell and toxins in the adhesive from the air. Do you have any brands/models that you recommend? The carpet is in our galleries, which are around 2,000 sqft each. Thank You ------------------------------ Jennifer Hadley Textile/Objects Conservator LDS Church History Museum Salt Lake Cty United States ------------------------------ 6.From: William Minter Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 4:55 PM Subject: RE: VOC scrubbers Message: At Penn State University Libraries, we have been using the DriEaz 500 Air Scrubber to remove smoke odors and other odors from books: https://drieazz.com/dri-eaz-air-scrubber/ <https://drieazz.com/dri-eaz-air-scrubber/>. Our unit not only has a HEPA filter, but also has a charcoal filter to help eliminate odors. It should work in your situation. To compare the effectiveness of our air scrubber, we devised a test with books that were also treated with kitty litter and baking soda --- other common methods. With our air scrubber connected to a cabinet, the results were comparable. A poster was prepared, but I dont think it has been posted on AIC. All the Best, Bill William MinterPenn State LibrariesState College, PAand 4364 Woodbury PikeWoodbury, PA 16695 ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 7/23/2026 6:44:00 AM From: Kristie Short-Traxler Subject: RE: VOC scrubbers HEPA Scrubbers and Negative Air Machine | Porta-Air, Inc (888) 519-1422 <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> Porta-air remove preview <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> HEPA Scrubbers and Negative Air Machine | Porta-Air, Inc (888) 519-1422 Porta-Air, Inc. offers scrubber rentals and sales ranging from 500 to 2000 CFM. All HEPA scrubbers meet 99.97% particulate removal rate per ASME and U.S. DOE testing standards. Porta-Air offers Phoenix, OmniTec and Abatement Technologies HEPA Systems. The Guardian HEPA can perform several critical air quality remediation functions simultaneously. View this on Porta-air > <https://www.porta-air.com/hepa-scrubbers.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com> ------------------------------ Kristie Short-Traxler Independent Collection Care Consultant and Conservation Scientist Brighton and Hove United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-21-2026 11:07 From: Jennifer Hadley Subject: VOC scrubbers We are laying new carpet and are in need of a VOC scrubber to help remove the smell and toxins in the adhesive from the air. Do you have any brands/models that you recommend? The carpet is in our galleries, which are around 2,000 sqft each. Thank You ------------------------------ Jennifer Hadley Textile/Objects Conservator LDS Church History Museum Salt Lake Cty United States ------------------------------ 7.From: Fiona Graham Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 8:20 PM Subject: RE: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Message: Hi Megan and Olivia, We have had great success using CO2 blasting to thoroughly remove a variety of coatings from outdoor bronzes. We have also used it to remove corrosion products to whatever degree is sought; a skilled operator can precisely control the amount that is removed, meaning that you can, for example, remove the majority of sulphates while leaving the majority of oxides behind. I was introduced to CO2 blasting for outdoor bronze when chemical stripping of black paint (don't ask) from bronze lamp standards was taking too long. The CO2 blasting was super quick and we were able to meet our strict deadline. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you want more information. Fiona ------------------------------ Fiona Graham she/her Graham Conservation Kingston, Ontario, Canada [email protected] +1-613-888-2915 www.grahamconservation.com ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-22-2026 16:30 From: Megan Escene Subject: CO2 Blasting on Outdoor Bronze Hello Everyone, Our names are Olivia Fiore and Megan Escene. We are pre-program interns at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston conducting research on CO2 cleaning for an outdoor bronze sculpture. Has anyone had success in full removal of coating on bronze sculpture using CO2 blasting, without the need for additional strippers or solvents? Thank you, Megan Escene and Olivia Fiore ------------------------------ Objects Conservation Pre-Program Interns Department of Conservation and Scientific Research Museum of Fine Arts, Boston ------------------------------ 8.From: Margaret Geiss-Mooney Posted: Friday July 24, 2026 9:32 PM Subject: RE: IMAGO. International Workshop on Imaging techniques for Documentation, Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage Message: Hi! Is the program of presentations available now? If it is, where would one find it? Thanks for your assistance! ------------------------------ Margaret Geiss-Mooney Costume/Textile Conservator [email protected] (707) 763-8694 Springfield, OR ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 07-06-2026 18:15 From: Leslie Rainer Subject: IMAGO. International Workshop on Imaging techniques for Documentation, Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage On behalf of our colleague, Nathael Cano or UNAM, posting this announcement for the online and in person workshops IMAGO. International Workshop on Imaging techniques for Documentation, Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage More about IMAGO: The use of non-invasive and portable imaging techniques has seen a growth in study, methodologies and technological innovation in recent decades. Focused on cultural heritage, the application of these techniques provides data for a global and punctual analysis of the structure, the technique, alterations, modifications by ancient treatments, or simulation of the results by new treatments. The information produced has presented a challenge in its management, accessibility, safeguarding; as well as the definition and fine-tuning of its use in accordance with the infrastructure, aims, and axes by the institutions of carrying out Documentation, Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage. This international workshop invites professionals to participate in our upcoming digital conferences and in-person workshop focus on Murals. 1. Digital Conferences (via Zoom) Dates: July 27th – 30th Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (GMT-6) Featuring lectures by leading specialists from international institutions. In this edition, the program focuses on murals, and is based on the presentation of 5 axes: Imaging techniques, methodologies, case studies, documentation, ethics and current challenges. Registration Link:** https://bit.ly/4xokjLs <https://bit.ly/4xokjLs> <https://bit.ly/4xokjLs%5D(https:/bit.ly/4xokjLs)> 2. In-Person Workshop Dates: July 28th – August 7th Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (GMT-6) Locations: Ciudad de México (Museum of Fine Arts Palace-INBAL, National Museum of History-INAH, LANCIC - Physics Institute UNAM), Estado de México (Teotihuacan Murals), Morelos (Atlatlahucan Former Convent). A collaborative space for teamwork and hands-on practice. Free of charge (Limited to 20 professionals selected by the scientific committee). Workshop submission: Curriculum Vitae (CV) Institutional Letter of Intent Application Deadline: July 15th Submission Link: https://bit.ly/4edniid <https://bit.ly/4edniid> ------------------------------ Leslie Rainer Senior Project Specialist / Wall Paintings Conservator Getty Conservation Institute Los Angeles United States ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
