Use of ZnO nanoparticles for protecting oil paintings on paper support against dirt, fungal attack, and UV aging

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared and used for surface treatment of oil paintings painted on paper supports. The prepared coating mixture containing 2% of ZnO nanoparticles showed excellent transparency. The effect of coating on protecting the paper support and paintings against microbial attack by Trichoderma reesei and Aspergillus niger, dirt accumulation, and UV aging was studied. Coatings containing ZnO nanoparticles enhanced the durability of linseed oil-based paintings toward UV aging regarding the change in color. Coatings containing ZnO nanoparticles improved resistance to microbial attack when subjected to inoculums containing T. reesei or A. niger fungi. In addition, coatings containing ZnO nanoparticles reduced accumulation of dirt on oil paintings when left in open air for 6 months; cleaning of paintings was quite easy compared to the non-coated paintings or those coated with the varnish without ZnO nanoparticles.