The Influence of Artificial Ageing on Selected Properties of Wood Surfaces Finished with Traditional Materials - An Assessment for Conservation Purposes

Abstract

Ageing is a complex, natural, irreversible process that occurs slowly in time and affects material properties. Finished wood surfaces are affected by ageing and a deeper knowledge of the resulting effects is a   key issue for authentic conservation of historic furniture. The research presented in this paper focused on the effects of four types of accelerated artificial ageing tests (for indoors conditions) on the colour, the resistance to selected cold liquids, and the adherence of three types of traditional finishing materials: beeswax, linseed oil, and shellac, applied on three different wood substrates: European walnut ( Juglsns Regia), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus).