Why Protective Coatings Damage Metal Artifacts — and How to Fix It

Using new 3D fluorescence imaging, scientists have identified how aging polymer coatings generate corrosive compounds, leading to improved preservation strategies for cultural artifacts.

In today’s episode, Editor-in-Chief Traci Purdum will be reading a column from editor-at-large Seán Ottewell – “Why Protective Coatings Damage Metal Artifacts — and How to Fix It,” which was posted to our site on July 7, 2025