This summer, ACL intern Paul Weisner (MSHP’27), is working with architectural conservator and HSPV lecturer, Andrew Fearon, on the ASTM testing of linseed oil vs acrylic architectural paint systems. The research is part of a larger project in partnership with the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), University of Toronto, Heritage Conservation Collective, Historic England, and Parks Canada. Together, the international team is studying the performance, cultural, environmental, and health values of bio-based paints systems for the conservation of wooden heritage. With the support of lab manager José Hernandez Cruz, the Penn team is specifically comparing the permeability and adhesion properties of linseed-oil and acrylic paint to help quantify physical performance attributes of natural vs modern polymer coatings.
