Methocel™ A4M — Methylcellulose for Conservation (Kremer)

Methocel™ A4M is a water-soluble methylcellulose (cellulose ether). It is manufactured by Dow, owner of the Methocel™ trademark, and distributed by Kremer Pigmente under reference 63671. The manufacturer's data sheet is aimed at industrial applications — it names the construction industry expressly — and does not mention conservation-restoration: what supports its use on artworks is the published literature of the field, not the technical data sheet.

Why choose Methocel A4M?

• It is the longest-chain methylcellulose among those used in conservation, and for consolidating paint layers a long chain performs better (International Journal of Conservation Science, 2022).
• It ages well, its viscosity is easy to adjust and it dissolves without trouble: this is why the conservation literature points to methylcellulose as the material to start with.
• It redissolves in water, and above 50-60 °C it forms a solid gel instead of losing viscosity as protein glues do.
• Versatile: adhesive, fixative or thickener depending on concentration.

Uses and applications

• Adhesive for paper, books and works on paper.
• Consolidation of powdery paint layers: the literature documents A4M at 3 % applied with a micro-dispenser on absorbent supports.
• Thickener for aqueous cleaning baths and gels.

Data declared by the manufacturer

• White to slightly off-white, free-flowing powder.
• Typical viscosity 4,000 mPa·s (Ubbelohde, 2 % aqueous solution at 20 °C); limits 3,500-5,600.
• Particle size: minimum 99 % through 212 µm.
• Sodium chloride max. 1.5 % · moisture max. 5.0 % · residue on ignition max. 1.0 %.
• Shelf life: at least 3 years stored in a dry, cool place.
• The manufacturer states that it is not intended for use as a direct food additive or in pharmaceutical applications.

Methocel™ is a trademark of Dow. Kremer Pigmente distributes it under reference 63671.

Product on request — estimated delivery 1-2 weeks. Questions about the concentration for your use? Write to us: WhatsApp · innovart.art · info@innovart.art