Lecture: The Art of Historical Varnishes and Paints
20.2.2025

The study programme Chemistry and Technology of Materials for Conservation-Restoration at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno invites you to a lecture by Ing. Jaromír Tulka, CSc. on the topic:

The Art of Historical Varnishes and Paints

The lecture will take place on 27th February 2025 at 16:00 in the Bohunice University Campus, lecture room B11/306 – B1

  • The lecture will focus on the subject of historical varnishes and paints. Firstly, the historical, technical and artistic significance of the use of varnishes and paints within the history of human society will be highlighted, especially their development since the 15th century. The lecture will explain the basic concepts and briefly describe varnishes and paints according to their composition and distribution. The description of the history of Asian, European, American and domestic historical varnishes and paints will focus not only on the categories of alcohol and turpentine varnishes, but also on the important period of “japanning”, the period of the emergence of imitation Asian Urushi-type varnishes characterized by the initiation of the production and use of “golden varnishes” based on natural oils and copal.
  • The lecture will be accompanied by a demonstration of recipes for the preparation of selected varnishes and paints.
  • The lecture will be followed by a practical demonstration of the preparation of test samples and basic tests of the quality of varnishes and paints, including the measurement of the thickness and adhesion of the coating, colour shade, and you will be able to independently test the creation of the design of colour shades for houses or other objects using the application of the Finnish company Tikkurila, one of the leading manufacturers of quality wood varnishes. The demonstration will also include a consultation activity.
  • Laymen, professionals, students of all ages and everyone else is welcome. During the event you will also be able to see the brand new publication of Ing. Tulka’s new book Recipe Book of Historical Varnishes or visit the exhibition in the Bohunice University Campus corridor to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chemistry and Technology of Conservation-Restoration Materials study programme.
  • More information on the Chemistry and Technology of Materials for Conservation-Restoration website