Tests and analyses for the cultural heritage sector

We perform advanced testing for the cultural heritage sector, supporting the conservation and restoration of works of art, monuments and historical artefacts through scientific analysis.

The conservation of cultural heritage requires a scientific approach to preserve historical and artistic heritage over time. Museums, conservation bodies and restorers rely on laboratories to analyse original materials, identify degradation processes and develop targeted intervention strategies aimed at protecting against environmental damage, monitoring the state of conservation and selecting compatible materials for restoration.

At Pontlab, we offer our expertise and advanced technologies to support these processes, performing chemical and structural analyses on paintings, sculptures, monuments and frescoes, using advanced technologies such as electron microscopy, spectroscopy and chemical imaging. The tests allow us to identify alterations caused by pollution, humidity and environmental factors, providing useful data for targeted, effective and respectful restoration work.

What we can do

We carry out chemical, physical and structural analyses on ancient materials, assess deterioration due to environmental factors and identify solutions for the restoration and conservation of historical artefacts.

Analysis of composition and state of conservation


We use advanced techniques to determine the chemical and structural composition of artistic materials, assessing their integrity and identifying signs of deterioration.

Study of the causes of environmental degradation


Through specific tests, we analyse the impact of pollution, humidity and temperature variations on works of art, identifying the main threats to their conservation.

Restoration and conservation support


We assess the effectiveness and compatibility of restoration materials and techniques, providing scientific data for targeted interventions that respect cultural heritage.

Do you require a customised test?

All tests can be structured in a completely customised manner, based on the customer's requirements. We offer tailor-made tests for materials, conditions of use and required regulations, ensuring reliable and targeted results.

Request a test

Applications

We support the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage through specific tests on sculptures, monuments and frescoes. We analyse materials, degradation processes and treatment compatibility, ensuring effective interventions that respect the integrity of the works.

01 Sculptures

Pontlab analyses the composition of sculptural materials to identify the type of stone, wood or metal used, verifying its authenticity and condition. We carry out mechanical resistance tests, spectroscopic analyses for chemical characterisation and studies on corrosion due to environmental factors. We also assess the compatibility of restoration materials to ensure effective and long-lasting interventions. Reference standards: UNI 11852 | UNI EN 16085

Analysis of constituent materialsidentification of degradation and contaminantsresistance and durability testsverification of the compatibility of restoration treatments.

02 Monuments

We carry out durability and degradation tests on monumental structures exposed to atmospheric agents, identifying erosion, chemical degradation and structural damage. We use imaging techniques to monitor the state of conservation and spectroscopy to analyse the constituent materials. We offer scientific support in choosing the most suitable conservation treatments. Reference standards: UNI EN 15898 | UNI 10829 | UNI EN 15757

Erosion and atmospheric agent assessmentchemical-physical analysis of materialsconsolidation testsmonitoring of conservation status

03 Frescoes

We analyse the pictorial stratigraphy and binders used in frescoes, studying the deterioration caused by humidity, soluble salts and atmospheric pollutants. Using spectroscopy and chemical imaging techniques, we identify chromatic alterations and detachment phenomena, providing guidelines for conservation and restoration in accordance with the original techniques. Reference standards: UNI 11182 | UNI EN 16085

Studio della composizione pigmentariaAnalisi del degrado e delle alterazioniTest di adesione e coesioneVerifica dell’efficacia dei prodotti di restauro
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Gli standard normativi di riferimento per il settore Beni Culturali includono

UNI 11852

ISO 9223

UNI EN 15898

UNI 11182

UNI 10829

UNI EN 16085

UNI EN 15757

The materials we test

In the cultural heritage sector, we perform advanced testing and in-depth analysis on materials and components of various kinds. Using cutting-edge methodologies, we assess the performance, reliability and compliance of the materials used, ensuring high standards of safety and quality.

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Metallic materials

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Polymeric materials

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Request a test

All tests can be performed in a completely customized manner, adapting to the customer's needs. Pontlab also offers tailored consulting services to define the most suitable tests, ensuring reliable and targeted results.