FSR lab acquires a new heated suction table
		The paper conservator reduces foxing and acid-induced discolouration on watercolours, the solution being drawn through the paper using suction. Early 18 C textile samplers with sensitive colours being cleaned with a misted solution to draw discolouration out of the fibers and into an absorbent material on the table. We are the only private lab in western Canada to have a heated suction table which expands the variety and extent of remedial treatments we can undertake, and ensures the safety of objects undergoing treatment. The table, which replaces the lab’s vacuum hot table, is specially designed for the art conservation field by Museum Services Corporation in St. Paul Minnesota USA. It is unsurpassed in its performance for heated and cold treatment of paintings by lining, lining removal, tear repair, consolidation and for removal of raised cracks, cupping and deformations using water vapour and solvents. Whereas a conventional hot table only provides a flat heating surface, this table incorporates a surface suction platen over the entire surface that allows a painting to be under constant and controllable vacuum during treatment; this allows for consolidant, solvent or humidity to be drawn through all the layers of a painting while holding it in a stable position with or without heat. This multi-purpose suction table is also exceptional for removing deformations from paper and to cold-line papers, and for controlled stain-removal and cleaning of works on paper and textiles with delicate colours. “Group of Seven” Lauren Harris oil painting on the suction table, cracks stabilized by drawing consolidant through the painting layers on the warmed table. This contemporary painting by an Asian artist first received a solvent/humidity treatment and is being stabilized on the table with warmth and suction while two conservators work to reduce deformations in the paint. This early 19th century oil on canvas painting had severe cracking and flaking. A consolidative lining was done on the suction table to readhere all paint from the reverse and stabilize it in place. The top right corner before conservation and after consolidative lining and conservation.
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