Surface cleaning of intaglio prints with microblasting powdered cellulose and erasing: Treatment effects on inks and support texture

In this research, microblasting cleaning technique with powdered cellulose has been applied to inked areas of intaglio prints. Taking as starting-point the previous results obtained in cellulosic supports, different cleaning tests were conducted on four prints following the new approach and results were compared to those obtained with dry cleaning with erasers. In order to assess potential changes of surface texture or colour, the documents were examined with optical and 3D stereomicroscopy, SEM and spectrophotometry. The results allow the conclusion that microblasting with powdered cellulose could remove surface dirt or grime on intaglio prints without entailing visible changes to the surface properties of treated supports.