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Materials

Dow Scientists Help Restore Painting

by Michael McCoy
June 2, 2014 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 92, Issue 22

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Credit: Dow
Tate Modern workers rehang Mark Rothko’s “Black on Maroon” after restoration.
Four workers hang a painting in a gallery. One is on a ladder, one is holding the ladder, and two are holding the sides and bottom of the painting. All are wearing gloves.
Credit: Dow
Tate Modern workers rehang Mark Rothko’s “Black on Maroon” after restoration.

Dow Chemical researchers helped conservation scientists from London’s Tate Modern museum choose a solvent to restore the Mark Rothko painting “Black on Maroon,” which was marred by graffiti in 2012. After analyzing the black graffiti ink, Dow experts in Midland, Mich., developed a short list of possible solvents. After further testing, Dow sent a list of solvent suggestions to the Tate team. The conservationists ended up removing the graffiti with a blend of benzyl alcohol and ethyl lactate.

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