The Impact of Magnets on Certain Pigments and Paints Used in the Conservation of Paintings and Works of Art.

In the last 20 years strong permanent magnets have frequently been used in the field of conservation and preservation of works of art. Such magnets provide temporary mechanical pressure, making them a convenient way to frame and/or present a piece for exhibition. This is a benefit because in these magnets high magnetic energy is stored in a small mass. Literature dedicated to this topic focuses on the undeniable advantages of this method, but it does not mention the potential consequences it may have on artworks. This technical note raises awareness for art conservators, private collectors, and museums that many pigments contain magnetically active particles. Five pigments based on iron and cobalt were selected and examined and the relative magnetic permeabilities determined. This makes it possible to calculate the mechanical forces caused by magnetic stationary or alternating fields for a wide range of products with these pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]