Thanks for your answers on my previous question, they have been very helpful to get to understand the process of strappo.

I visited and read all you advised, but still I am having some troubles with the technique of strappo and two questions remain.

The first thing is that I can't figure out what the material is you use (indicated by #1 and #2, but what does it mean?), the linenlike gauze to put on the fresco.
I tried several cotton gauzes and linen, but things don't work as they should. Could you help me by explaining what the material exactly is or what is exactly is that it should do?

If things go well next time, the intention is to take a fresco off the wall which is partly gilded (it's one of the three kings and he wears a gilded dress and crown and these parts are partly painted with egg-tempera). My other question is, what will happen to the gilded parts after using strappo? Will they be saved or will they get lost?

Thanks very much for your help
Annet
the netherlands

Dear Annet,

You can write to me at trazom34@hotmail.com. I will write back and answer any questions that you have concerning removing a fresco from a wall. Sincerely, John Keily.

Hi John,

Why not here? It would be great if you post an update.

by the way I was looking for your email to get in touch about Italy and workshop there.

se parli italiano,io sono un restauratore italiano.
mi capita ogni tanto di fare degli stacchi, non strappi. penso che dove possibile,sia molto meglio.
per gli stacchi ci vogliono:
carta giaponese
garza di cotone
tela di lino
resina acrilica
paraloid
buon lavoro

Dear fausto,

I am sorry I did not respond earlier, thanks for your answer. I understood your message about stacco (stacchi), and I wonder how you get the resina acrilica off again? I know the stacco method well. I know how to use it with success.
The problem with strappi up till now is that the glue (colla di bue) seems to get attached to the fresco, OR to the cloth. So I applied a lot, really a lot of glue, but this glue shrinks so enormously (which is good, because that is the reason the fresco will loosen from the wall), but before the fresco loosens the cloth is pulled out first.

I know stacchi is better, but for my purposes strappi is more suitable. My aim is to tranfer fresco onto lino to adapt to the modern individual taste of wanting something cosy in the livingroom.(and fresco is not cosy!)
and i certainly love to know the technique in all details!

I am still looking for the tiny things to know. For example, how many layers of glue should I apply, or should I do it in two sessions. Is cotone the best cloth or is it lino? And what size holes in the cloth, if you understand what I mean.

kind regards
annet

Hi Annet,

I used a cloth like "cheese cloth" at the Fresco school in Prato. It was very open and I think, two layers. I don't have my notes with me.When finished the image could be seem shadowing through. If that helps...