A laser technique best known for its use to remove unwanted tattoos from the
skin is finding a second life in preserving great sculptures, paintings and
other works of art, according to an article in ACS’ monthly journal, Accounts of
Chemical Research. The technique, called laser ablation, involves removing
material from a solid surface by vaporizing the material with a laser beam.

Salvatore Siano and Renzo Salimbeni point out that laser cleaning of artworks
actually began about 10 years before the better known medical and industrial
applications of the technique. Doctors, for example, use laser ablation in
medicine to remove unwanted tattoos from the skin. In industry, the technique
can remove paints, coatings and other material without damaging the underlying
surface.

In the article, the scientists note that laser ablation has had an important
impact in preserving the world’s cultural heritage of great works of art. They
describe the latest advances in laser cleaning of stone and metal statues and
wall paintings, including masterpieces like Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Porta del
Paradiso and Donatello’s David. They also discuss encouraging results of laser
cleaning underwater for materials that could deteriorate if exposed to air.