Current Conservation Research Projects

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Retouching Colors

What is Okra Retouching Colors?
Okra Retouching Colors are paints applied using specific retouching techniques on surfaces where there is no authentic paint left in order to improve the holistic chromatic perception of the original work within the scope of conservation or restoration of wall paintings, canvas paintings or painted architectural surfaces. The paint must be reversible in accordance with the conservation principles. In addition, the binder is expected to have the correct structure so that the paint does not shine. In our Okra Retouching Colors, we use traditional earth and mineral pigments that have been used for centuries. Instead of pigments containing toxic and toxic components such as lead or mercury used in traditional paints, we use pigments that are safe for humans and nature, carefully selected in the closest color and tone.
Okra Retouching Colors have been prepared by Koruma Akademisi and Okra Pigment.

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https://www.okrapigment.com/restorasyon

ISTANBUL COLORS
Church Colors Retouching Set

Most of the historical churches that have survived in Istanbul were built in the 19th century. Architectural surfaces in these churches (eg, altar, templon wall, lecterns, etc.) bear the 19th century colors and decoration techniques. This water-based retouching set, prepared in accordance with the colors detected on polychrome surfaces, is designed to be used in conservation and restoration applications. The gum arabic binder used in these paints is completely reversible and can be diluted with water depending on the retouching technique.

ISTANBUL COLORS
19th Century Colors Retouching Set

Many colors, ornaments and textures that are still present today as the authentic architectural surfaces in Istanbul date back to the 19th century. The pigments that were used in the 19th century are known today through the state registers or other Ottoman documents, however some of these pigments could not be used today due to their toxicity. This retouching set has been created with the pigments used in Ottoman Istanbul and natural or synthetic pigments that could be used as an equivalent to some historic toxic pigments. The retouching colors are designed to be used in conservation and restoration applications of architectural surfaces. The gum arabic binder used in these paints is completely reversible and can be diluted with water depending on the retouching technique.

ISTANBUL COLORS
Gilding Retouching Set

The water-based retouching set is prepared with pigments suitable for the retouching of gold or silver gilding that have survived in Istanbul. This set is designed to be used in conservation and restoration applications of architectural surfaces. The gum arabic binder used in these paints is completely reversible and can be diluted with water depending on the retouching technique.


Management of Conservation Projects

 Benefiting from the opportunities of the project management discipline and developing specialized tools to address architectural heritage conservation projects will contribute to the protection of authenticity of heritage buildings. In the literature reviews, field interviews and focus group meetings, it was observed that there was a large information gap on this subject. 

Koruma Akademisi supports the research carried out by Architect Sezer Savaş at Istanbul Technical University, whose main purpose is “to improve the project management process by examining the current conservation practice” and “to develop a comprehensive project management methodology for restoration projects”.