American painters and varnishing: British, French and German connections

Evaluation of Green Solvents’ Applicability for Chromatic Reintegration of Polychrome Artworks

“…Both terpenic and these new synthetic varnishes are solutions based on solvents that evaporate during drying, thus creating the dry film on the painting's surface [8]. Generally, petroleum derivatives (shellsol, ligroine, mineral spirits), essential oils derived from turpentine, alcohols, dowanol PM, ethyl lactate, or mixtures of them are used for colors' dilution, based on the desired volatility and aesthetic appearance of the dry color [14][15][16][17]. Many of these organic solvents have issues related to their inherent high toxicity, posing risks both for the environment and the health of the operator [18,19].…”