Gels: Effective instruments for cleaning of graphical works

Article discusses the application of hydrogels for cleaning the works as effective and important tool for restoration and conservation of cultural heritage artworks on paper. The basis from not every work during restoration can be cleaned with water and solvents, because it can damage the work. For example, the work can be too damaged or can have can have water based paint coating, the use of gels in these cases is relatively new method, although it has good potential because it is effective, harmless and neutral to artworks, and also it does not posethe health hazards for the restorers. This work analyses the research and publications about the peculiarities and advantages of the use of different kinds of gels considering their effectiveness for different applications. The article highlights also the experience of use of gellan and agargels by the author in the process of cleaning the works with purpose of practical testing of the gels effectiveness.