LAUSR

Abstract In order to clean varnishes used as final protective layers in paintings and polychromed sculptures,organic solvents often associated with high toxicity, have traditionally been used that pose a risk to the original materials. Therefore, it is necessary to develop cleaning methods that use substances that are as innocuous as possible for the artwork and the restorers themselves. Water-based cleaning systems have been put forward in recent years, usually accompanied by surfactants, which under certain circumstances can provide significant benefits. We are presenting this work along these lines, proposing a model for studying response surfaces that analyses the performance in cleaning and removing varnish from artworks using various cleaning formulas comprised mainly of water and a low-toxicity monoterpene: limonene. Their level of effectiveness has been evaluated using the software for statistical design and optimization of experiments, MODDE GO®. The study shows the model's statistical validity and its ability to simulate a multitude of cleaning scenarios in silico and to determine the main factors that affect the cleaning, evaluated via the responses according to: chemical composition, expert opinion using visible light, expert opinion using ultraviolet light, variation in color and percentage variation of lightness and gloss.