What is Paraloid B-72
Paraloid B-72 is an acrylic resin that comes in solid form and is dissolved in organic solvents before use. It was developed by the chemical company Rohm and Haas as a commercial plastic material. When conservators discovered its useful properties, it became one of the most popular consolidation and adhesion materials in the conservation field.
Introduction to Conservation
In the 1960s, Paraloid B-72 was adopted by conservators and museums as a solution for stabilizing fragile artifacts. Its reversibility, meaning it could be removed without permanently damaging the object, made it especially valuable for conservation work. The material gained rapid acceptance because it was stable, clear, and did not yellow significantly over time.
Common Applications
Conservators use Paraloid B-72 to consolidate paint on old paintings, strengthen fragile textiles, repair broken ceramics, and stabilize archaeological artifacts. It is applied as a thin layer or injected into cracks and weak areas. Because it dissolves in certain solvents, it can be removed if future conservators need to retreat an object using newer methods.
Why It Became Popular
Paraloid B-72 became the standard in conservation because it solved several problems that older adhesives could not. It was non-toxic to apply, did not require heat, remained flexible as it dried, and could be controlled precisely by adjusting the solvent concentration. Museums worldwide began using it because it was affordable and effective for many different types of objects. 
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