The preservation of cultural heritage relies heavily on the proper care of wooden artifacts. Wood can be protected from external and biological influences through various conservation and restoration methods, utilizing consolidation agents. In our research, conducted in collaboration with restorers and conservators from the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, we selected five consolidation agents to reinforce samples of spruce and beech wood of varying dimensions. We applied two methods of reinforcement, namely immersion and vacuuming. We then measured bending strength, microhardness, and sorption, while also monitoring changes in density, colour, and the thickness of the consolidation layers. The results indicated that the agents responded differently to individual factors, depending on their specific properties. Some agents penetrated the wood well, enhanced dimensional stability and bending strength, and responded more effectively to changes in air humidity. Our research confirmed that treated samples outperformed untreated ones in all tests of mechanical and physical properties. The study provided precise data on the characteristics of the consolidation agents used, which will be valuable for determining their future application based on exposure requirements and conditions. When conserving museum exhibits, it is particularly important to select an agent that is transparent, improves dimensional stability, ensures reversibility of treatment, and is environmentally friendly.
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