Materials are added to objects during this conservation at many times and for many reasons. This book describes the properties of these materials and how they may interact with the objects. The text is made up of two sections. The first five chapters outline physical and chemical properties important in the use of added materials. Chapters 1 and 5 provide a qualitative introduction and summary respectively. The intervening chapters give a more rigorous discussion of polymer science, solvent interactions, and adhesion. In the second part, detailed consideration is given to individual materials, their properties, and their use on objects. An indication of the suitability of the materials is made. The materials covered include polyethylene, waxes, rubber, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(vinyl butyral), acrylic polymers (including Paraloids and dispersions), poly(vinyl chloride), poly(vinylidene chloride), polystyrene, ketone resins, poly(ethylene glycol), nylon, cellulose ethers (including sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose) cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, dammar, mastic, resin, shellac, beeswax, drying oils and alkyds, silicone, polyester, epoxy polyurethane, and formaldehyde resins, finishing with colorants. Three appendices provide tabulated data on polymer and solvent properties, and on their interactions. One appendix is a conversion table to SI units, and a further appendix provides manufacturers' addresses. A full author and subject index is included.