Various polymeric materials and grafting monomers were applied to artificially aged cotton fabrics to evaluate their potential as consolidants and reinforcing agents for protecting fragile textiles. The resins tested included finishes currently used by the textile industry as well as materials found in art conservation laboratories. Since the ideal conservation treatment should increase the strength and flexibilty of the object without altering its appearence or hand, these criteria were the main ones considered injudging the value of the treatment. Of the 23 applications examined, the best enhanced the tearing strength of the model aged fabric by approximately 50% while maintaining tensile strength and flexibility. The longterm stability and ultimate consequences of the treatment must be determined, however, before these treatments can be recommended as satisfactory for application on valuable artifacts. See also AATA 15-389.