Conservation studies on ornamental and building stones of north-eastern Sicily. Hydric and colorimetric investigations

In this paper we report on the results regarding the hydric properties of lithic materials widely used in north-eastern Sicily. We report also on the hydrophobic properties of these stones treated with some preserving products (silanes, siloxanes, epoxides, perfluoropolyethers, acrylates, acrylsilicones). In addition, the quantitative colour readings of the untreated and treated stones are presented, together with their chromatic alterations after artificial UV weathering. Final considerations on the selection of the best regime treatment are also reported.