A method of removing organic material when restoring oil paintings. Firstly, any existing non-specific enzyme activity is determined quantitatively, whereafter said activity is inhibited. The organic material is then dissolved enzymatically with an enzyme preparation suitable for the particular organic material to be removed. The enzyme preparation is carried on a carrier by adsorption or inclusion in a gel. The dissolved material is then removed and any residual enzyme activity is inhibited irreversibly. The method is suited for removing layers of varnish and over-paint and adhesive layers when relining textile supports of oil paintings.
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