Indoor Painted Mural Conservation—City of Walnut Library

Los Angeles County Arts Commission / Walnut Library Painted Mural

Located indoors in the children’s area of the Walnut Library, the mural consists of acrylic paint on a fibrous matting substrate with a pronounced weave. The majority of the damage was relegated to the lower portion of the mural which is most accessible to the public. There were 8 tears in the surface of the mural, multiple areas of general abrasion throughout the lower portion of the mural., frayed edges were noted in association with tears and along the edges of the various fiber matting overlay sections, 2 locations where the woven fiber matting was missing completely, and pronounced areas of graffiti that appeared to be crayon and either pen or pencil.    Furthermore, the entire surface was dirty from dust and light atmospheric soiling, especially near the top of the mural where it meets the ceiling.

The surface was dry cleaned with HEPA filter vacuum and cosmetic sponges.  Graffiti was removed after solvent testing, taking care to not disturb the original colors.  Lifting areas were re adhered and filled losses with conservation grade materials.