Abstract
Solar radiation is one of the deterioration factors par excellence of modern urban artworks, as among other manifestations, it causes loss of colour. This deterioration can compromise the durability of the works, although it is not known to what extent this durability can vary depending on the substrate supporting the paint. We evaluated the susceptibility to sunlight of 10 paints of differing compositions as typically used by urban artists, by exposing them, applied to concrete and brick, to artificial sunlight ageing test in laboratory conditions. Colour changes over time were studied, along with mineralogical (x-ray diffraction), chemical (scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy) and physical (contact angle and peeling tests) changes. The durability of the paints on these substrates depends mainly on the paint composition (base, pigment and filler) but also on the type of substrate, as this influences paint adhesion capacity. The greatest colour modification was detected in fluorescent paints, which lose colour due to degradation of the organic phase, and with aggravation of defects during drying, eventually detach from the substrate.
Highlights
Contemporaneous murals are artistic creations that are increasingly present in urban spaces
We evaluated colour changes, after exposure to artificial daylight for 7 months, in 10 types of paint of different compositions widely used in urban artworks in Galicia (NW Spain)
We tested the durability to artificial daylight of 10 different colour paints, as used in urban art, applied by brush or spray to concrete and brick
Summary
Contemporaneous murals are artistic creations that are increasingly present in urban spaces. The ephemeral nature of many independently created artworks in modern urban spaces is recognized [1], there is a certain interest in the creation of more durable artworks, as evidenced in commissions by local authorities and other administrative bodies. Both the artists and the commissioners should have the best possible guidance in selecting the best materials and optimal physical conditions that ensure durability (substrate type, pre-treatment of the surfaces, minimization of weathering and anthropic agent impacts, etc). While the literature on the deterioration of ancient mural paintings is abundant, even including a glossary of terms related to alteration forms and agents [2], the deterioration processes that affect contemporary urban artworks is little documented and no conservation guidelines are as yet available
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