The history of wall paintings can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when ancient Egyptians and Greeks began to create them for homes and offices. The earliest known examples of these art forms date from about 200 B.C., but they have become almost extinct today. The First and Second Styles are considered to be the first examples of murals. These styles are distinguished by a variety of characteristics, including the underlying theme and subject matter.
As with any art, wall paintings require special conservation measures. In addition to maintaining a proper humidity level, they need to be protected from excessive moisture. Fortunately, there are several ways to combat rising damp, which can cause damage to wall paintings. One method involves cutting into the wall underneath the mural. Another option is to insert a “damp course” or a high capillary tube. While this solution is technically possible, the cost of doing this is prohibitive for most individuals. However, you can reduce overall moisture by reconfiguring the drainage system of your home.
You can also use a data logger to measure the amount of sunlight that falls on the wall painting. These devices can measure the amount of light that passes through the mural and correlate it with changes in the surrounding climate. These readings can also help identify the most appropriate conservation methods for your wall painting. Once you have an idea of how much light is available, you can use a data logger to monitor its condition. Then, once you know the right amount of sunlight, you can determine whether you should protect your artwork from harmful UV rays.
The first step in preventing further damage is to identify the cause of the problem. If deterioration is caused by chemical and biological agents, a remedial treatment will reinforce the wall painting and avoid further damage. Various approaches require compromise, but the objective is to reduce the invasive treatment. If you notice visible cracks, joints, and broken drains, these could be an indication of a larger problem that requires invasive restoration.
The second step in preserving your wall paintings is to understand the factors that contribute to their deterioration. For example, excessive moisture may lead to damage. The best way to prevent this is to cut into the wall under the mural and install a high capillary tube. This is not an ideal solution, but it might be the only alternative when you have to save the decoration. This process can also be costly. In addition, there are many other risks involved.
Aside from the physical risks, wall paintings may also be damaged by excessive moisture. To prevent this, the most obvious way is to prevent rising damp, which is caused by water vapor rising above the wall. The only way to do this is to cut into the wall beneath the mural and insert a “damp course” or high capillary tube. Unfortunately, these are both expensive. A more viable solution is to re-configure the drainage system.