Sara A. Moy
Abstract
The use of kneadable eraser products for dry surface cleaning on works of art is a common practice adopted from paper and book conservation, but questions as to their suitability consistently arise with the availability of each new product. Since the 1960s testing has attempted to address whether erasers and other related dry cleaning materials leave residues when applied to works of art. While many products have been found to be inappropriate for use on artifacts, the viability of Groomstick, a vulcanized rubber of cis-1,4 polyisoprene has not previously been conclusively established.
This paper reviews past studies conducted on a variety of kneadable rubber products with a focus on the author’s investigation of Groomstick and its potential to contaminate surfaces.