Hi Amaris,
Nd:YAG lasers have been around in conservation for many years now, particularly in sculpture conservation - the technology and laser cleaning mechanisms are well understood. Generally speaking they are versatile tools which have been used on a wide range of sculptural materials including different types of stone, metal, plaster, terracotta, wood, bone and ivory. They have also been used on textiles, paper and parchment but more sparingly. Low average power systems (typically a few Watts) are portable and tend to be ideal for work in a museum conservation lab or small-scale site work, such as the cleaning of important sculpture/sculptural detail on a historic building.
Active fibre lasers have entered the field more recently - these tend to deliver higher average power (several hundred Watts typically) and are generally more suited to larger-scale cleaning including monuments, architectural detail and even historic building facades.
I would start by considering the type of objects on which you are hoping to use a laser (material, size etc.) and the nature of the contaminants to be removed (pollution crust, corrosion, unwanted paint layer, thickness of layers etc.) - this will help you decide on the most appropriate specifications for the laser (wavelength, pulse length, average power etc.). Laser cleaning can be an extremely useful technique but bear in mind the success or otherwise will depend on many factors including the type of material and condition of the object being cleaned, the nature of the 'dirt' layer, the presence of residues from previous conservation treatments and, of course, the skill and experience of the conservator carrying out the work - in this respect, laser cleaning is no different from other methods of cleaning. However, in certain situations, laser cleaning can be an extremely selective and sensitive method of removing unwanted layers. Unfortunately, there is no one laser which will do everything.
There are many museum conservation departments with a laser cleaning system now - I would suggest talking to as many of these as possible to get an idea of which system would be most suitable for your needs. Good luck!
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Martin Cooper
Head of Conservation Division
Lynton Lasers
Holmes Chapel
United Kingdom
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-30-2025 16:52
From: Amaris Sturm
Subject: Laser cleaning system recommendations
Hello Laser Discussion Group! I am writing from the Objects Lab at the IMA-Newfields. We have just started exploring laser cleaning systems with an interest in potentially adding one to our toolbox. Although top of mind is its use for outdoor sculpture, we are hoping to identify a system that could also be used by the other specialty labs and on a variety of materials. What systems would you recommend (or not), especially looking at versatility and portability balanced with cost? What are the major pros/cons you have come across? Many thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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Amaris Sturm
Associate Objects Conservator
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Indianapolis
United States
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