poulticing
Quick Summary
Poulticing is a method used in art restoration, particularly for stone sculpture, to remove soluble salts from the material. This process involves wetting the stone and then applying a clay or paper pulp mixture. As the moisture evaporates, it draws dissolved salts from the stone into the poultice material, which is then removed. This technique is crucial for preventing salt crystallization within the stone, which can cause significant damage and deterioration. Poulticing is an alternative to submerging the object in water, especially for large or fragile items.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.