Lacquerware knowledge: detailed explanation of causes of lacquerware decay and how to repair it

Lacquer ware knowledge: Detailed explanation of the causes of lacquer ware decay and how to repair it
What are the causes of lacquer ware decay?
Natural wood and bamboo are similar materials, and most of the ancient lacquer ware was made of wood, and a few were made of bamboo. The corrosion mechanism of ancient wood and bamboo lacquerware is the same. During the long-term burial process, most of these lacquerwares were corroded by groundwater for a long time. The internal molecular structure of these wooden and bamboo lacquerware has been completely saturated with water. In addition, the corrosion of various chemical substances such as hydrochloric acid and alkali contained in groundwater has caused the degradation and loss of part of the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin that make up the wooden bamboo, resulting in the degradation of the wooden body. Or the strength of the bamboo tire is reduced. In addition, due to the humid environment of the tomb, various bacteria breed. They can absorb a lot of nutrients on the wooden and bamboo ware, and quickly breed more bacteria to invade the wooden and bamboo lacquer ware.
How to reinforce and repair lacquerware?
The traditional reinforcement method is to fill it with paraffin wax or a mixture of various waxes. Mainly by mixing bleached beeswax, polyethylene glycol resin and elemi resin, heating the mixed wax and applying it to the surface of the utensil, and then baking it with an infrared lamp to allow the wax to penetrate into the interior of the utensil. This mixture is waterproof, makes the shape of the device quite stable, and prevents deformation. It not only increases the strength of the patent leather and prevents the patent leather from further curling and peeling off, but also increases the softness and plasticity of the patent leather. For lacquerware with decayed inner tubes, first soften the surface of the decayed paint block with an appropriate proportion of softening fluid. After the paint is softened, wash off the surface softening fluid and dry it. Secondly, the carcass should be fully penetrated, filled and reinforced. Activated carbon is often used as a filling material in the gaps of decayed utensils. Third, use a small electric iron to iron the softened patent leather to make it firmly adhere to the filled carcass. Finally, apply a layer of liquid paraffin or hemp seed oil on the patent leather surface to seal the surface.
The article is selected from the public account of Changchang Silver Art Appraisal Database, which aims to provide everyone with high-quality art collection and appraisal knowledge and is updated every day.