Aquazol
Aquazol
Share
Couldn't load pickup availability
Aquazol is one of the few synthetic resins that dissolves in both water and ethanol and remains reversible years later. This is why it has been a staple on restorers' tables for decades: it is used to consolidate a fragile layer, to adhere, and as a medium for reintegration, without closing the door to further intervention later on.
Chemically, it is poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), PEOX (CAS 25805-17-8). It is not a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a mistake that circulates in many data sheets and that you will not find here. It is a stable, pH-neutral conservation polymer that forms a transparent film and does not add forced shine to the surface.
We supply it in two grades —200 and 500— both in 1 kg containers. The grade does not change what Aquazol is; it changes the molecular weight, and with it how much it penetrates and how much cohesion the final film has.
What is it used for?
- Consolidation of powdery or poorly cohesive pictorial layers, used at low concentration.
- Adhesion of fragments and fastenings, from light bonds to more structural work (depending on grade and concentration).
- Reintegration / retouching medium — as a binder for pigment.
- Temporary facings on paper and canvas, when a water-reversible film is desired.
Compatible with works on paper, canvas, panel, mural, and polychrome sculpture in a controlled humidity environment (see HR note below).
Why choose Aquazol?
- Dual solubility — water and ethanol. You choose the solvent according to what the artwork tolerates, without changing products.
- Excellent reversibility. It reactivates and can be removed with water or ethanol; the intervention is not irreversibly sealed.
- Real versatility. The same container can be used for consolidating, adhering, and retouching just by changing the concentration.
- Neutral and transparent film. It does not provide the shine or tension of other resins.
The two grades: when to choose each one
| Aquazol 200 | Aquazol 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ≈200 kDa (medium) | ≈500 kDa (high) |
| Behavior | Versatile: good balance between penetration and strength | More cohesive and stronger film |
| Choose it for | Consolidation, retouching, light adhesion, general use | Structural adhesion, demanding fastening, when you want the strongest film |
| If in doubt | This one. The 200 is the compromise grade: recommending it is almost never a mistake | Only when you need maximum film cohesion |
Regarding maximum penetration (technical honesty): for deep consolidation of a very compact or very disintegrated support, the ideal grade would be 50 (lowest molecular weight, most penetration), which we do not have in our direct catalog. In the vast majority of cases, 200 worked at a low concentration (2.5–5%) penetrates sufficiently. If your case requires extreme penetration, please contact us via WhatsApp and we will evaluate bringing in the 50 by special order.
Indicative working concentrations
| Use | Indicative concentration | Solvent |
|---|---|---|
| Consolidation | 2.5 – 10% (start low and increase if necessary) | Water or ethanol |
| Adhesive | 10 – 20% (or more for demanding bonds) | Water or ethanol |
| Retouching medium | depending on the pigment load you need | Water or ethanol |
Always prepare the solution at a low concentration first and only increase it if the intervention requires it.
Storage and warnings — read before buying
- Store sealed and with desiccant, in a dry place. Aquazol is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture from the environment. A poorly sealed container will cause the solid to cake.
- Caking of the solid DOES NOT invalidate the product. It is a physical change due to humidity, not a chemical expiration: Aquazol remains valid and dissolves just the same.
- Prepare the solution fresh. The aqueous solution has a limited shelf life and can develop mold if stored; prepare only the amount you intend to use.
- It is not ideal for works that will remain in high, uncontrolled relative humidity. At high HR, it softens and becomes sticky. For outdoor use, damp crypts, or unconditioned environments, consult us first.
Is Aquazol the same as PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone)?
No. This is a common mistake. Aquazol is poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), PEOX — a different chemical family.
Do I dissolve it in water or alcohol?
Either: it is soluble in water and ethanol. You choose according to what the artwork tolerates.
Is it reversible?
Yes, that's one of its strong points. It reactivates and can be removed with water or ethanol.
The container arrived caked. Is it bad?
No. Caking is physical — Aquazol absorbs moisture from the air — and does not affect its performance: it dissolves just the same. Store it hermetically sealed and with desiccant to prevent this.
Is it suitable for deep consolidation of a highly disintegrated mural?
It depends on the case. The grade for maximum penetration is 50 (which we do not have in our direct catalog); 200 at low concentration (2.5–5%) covers most deep consolidations. If your support is very compact, contact us via WhatsApp and we'll assess it.
What solvent should I use to prepare the solution?
You can use deionized water or restoration-grade ethanol.
Can I use it for facings on paper?
Yes, it forms a water-reversible film suitable for temporary facings. It is combined with Japanese paper → Tengujo Kashmir 9g Japanese Paper.
What if I need an adhesive with more structural load?
For high mechanical load bonds, concentrated Aquazol 500 is an option, but also consider an acrylic like Paraloid B-72 depending on your case (different reversibility profile: B-72 uses organic solvent and is not water-reversible).
Not sure if you need the 200 or 500 — or what concentration to use in your case? Contact us via WhatsApp at +34 614 50 45 65 and our technical team will confirm before you buy. You can also take the Aquazol test (4 questions) or read the complete guide to Aquazol grades.
Pre-order product — shipping in approx. 15 business days. Currently, we work with Aquazol by special order: upon confirming your purchase, a −10% pre-order discount is applied, and it is included in the next supplier order. As a special order product, the delivery time is approximately 15 business days (longer than for an in-stock product). We will confirm the estimated date when processing your order, and if you need it urgently, please contact us via WhatsApp before purchasing.