Abstract
Saponification, resulting from pigment-binder interactions is one of the most dangerous degradation phenomena affecting the appearance and stability of paintings. The crystallization of metal carboxylates (soaps) is assumed as a critical point for the development of undesirable changes manifested as protrusions, efflorescence, darkening and etc.
However, factors triggering this process are not fully understood, limiting the development of a suitable strategy for conservation and preservation of precious works of art.