Brush consolidation of pigments in manuscripts is always
done under high magnification.
In the case of brush consolidation of flaking pigment, a
wetting agent is applied with an extremely fine brush along the edge of a crack.
The wetting agent reduces the surface tension of the adhesive -or consolidant-
which is applied immediately afterwards. This allows the consolidant to move
beneath the loose pigment by capillary action, drawing the fragments back to
the surface of the object and reattaching them to the substrate.
I filmed myself consolidating an illuminated manuscript on
parchment under magnification. This can be viewed in the video embedded below. Note
the application of the wetting agent followed immediately by the application of
the consolidant. Both move quickly underneath the pigment to secure it without leaving
a residue or disturbing the appearance of the surface.
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