Product Code:
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Natural water-soluble polymer used in restoration as an adhesive, consolidant, and additive in the preparation of solutions and poultices. Due to its high compatibility with both organic and inorganic materials, it is employed in treatments on paper, paintings, gilding, and delicate surfaces.
Composition:
- Complex mixture of natural polysaccharides and glycoproteins
- Extracted from the exudates of Acacia species (e.g., Acacia senegal)
- Soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents
- Mildly acidic pH (approx. 4.5–5.5 in solution)
- Biodegradable, non-toxic, reversible
Appearance:
- Pale yellow fine powder or translucent solid fragments
- Odorless, sweet taste (irrelevant in conservation)
- Forms viscous colloidal solutions in water
- Dries to a transparent, flexible film
Main uses:
- Binder and adhesive for retouching, gilding, and natural pigments
- Consolidant for paper supports, tempera paintings, and porous surfaces
- Additive to adjust viscosity, adhesion, and drying time of aqueous mixtures
- Used in poultices and gels as a vehicle for water-soluble active agents
- Historically used, reversible, and compatible with low-impact conservation practices
