When Gum Meets Artwork: Solvents to the Rescue

According to the February 28, 2006 Detroit Free Press, a young boy on a school field trip to the Detroit Institute of Art stuck a wad of gum onto an important painting in the museum’s collection. “The Bay” was painted in 1963 by Helen Frankenthaler and is considered a landmark painting by the artist. Although the gum was removed, residual chemicals remain on the painting. In order to clean it, the painting will be treated with a solvent. Museum officials are currently researching which solvent will best clean the painting and expect the painting to make a full recovery in the near future.

Solvents are used in a variety of applications, and play a significant role in preserving precious artwork. Here, the solvent selected will work to help clean the painting by being pulled through the canvas, which will remove the stain. For more information, please read the Solvents Industry Group's profile on art restoration. Modern solvents make it happen.

Please visit the Detroit Free Press online for more information about the incident, painting and artist.