Airbrush to the rescue of cultural heritage – cleaning concepts for mud-stained papers/fotos
Mud often contaminates valuable cultural assets such as paper and photographs after flooding. This project is developing an innovative airbrush cleaning method using microcrystalline cellulose that removes mud effectively and gently. The project is funded by the Alfred Kärcher Foundation.
At a Glance
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Research project | CICS - research project - Airbrush to the rescue of cultural heritage – cleaning concepts for mud-stained papers/fotos |
| Management | Marlen Börngen, M.A. |
| Faculty | Faculty of Cultural Sciences |
| Institute | CICS - Cologne Institute of Conservation Sciences |
| Persons involved |
Bert Jacek, MA Prof. Dr. Andrea Pataki-Hundt |
| Sponsors | Alfred-Kärcher Stiftung More |
| Duration | February 2026 - April 2027 |
The project is developing an innovative method for cleaning mud-contaminated cultural assets such as paper and photographs, which are often damaged by flooding or other natural disasters. The focus is on the further development of the ‘soft fine jet’ developed at CICS. Microcrystalline cellulose is to be dispersed in a liquid medium. Through swelling, the particles transform into rubber-like solids that penetrate deep into the fibre structure and remove even stubborn mud in a gentle manner without damaging the sensitive surfaces.
Modern methods such as 3D profilometry and spectroscopic analyses are used to evaluate the cleaning effect. At the same time, material compatibility is systematically tested. The aim is to scientifically standardise and optimise the process and to develop practical workflows that will benefit smaller cultural institutions in particular.