Scraping, Scraping, Scraping Or A Slow Descent Into Madness. The Conservation of Mathias J. Alten

[@maggiesmith856]

New definition of a total idiot : "He's the kind of person who would put polyurethane on a oil painting."

[@LuckyLifeguard]

haha this is fantastic

[@nanamacapagal8342]

A clean, varnishless painting. That way there will be no areas of attack for scraping.

[@Webster020]

And he uses staples.

[@HarleysCompass]

@@Webster020 and on plywood

[@Webster020]

Harley Mills Yes definitely.

[@ryantomi8389]

"they planted a landmine and im just now stepping into it" my man... that absolute flavor of this statement

[@GageFilms]

Julian has such a story tellers heart. it's lovely to hear how's he going to explain a retouching or restoring process.

[@ssip7339]

:3

[@Sarah_88]

When was that?

[@GibusWearingMann]

10:02

[@Evvuful]

Him: "It was polyurethane!" Me: *absolutely no idea if that's bad or good* Him: *compares it to staples* Me: Oh it's THAT bad

[@grantharrison1715]

Its like. Floor varnish. Heavy duty stuff.

[@anushasan9452]

@@grantharrison1715 Omg that sounds BAD bad

[@swesleyc7]

People coat outdoor furniture with it to protect it from the sun and moisture. It's basically permanent plastic coating. People even use spar eurethane for sealing wood on boats.

[@christianraxo7535]

why are stapless bad?

[@shadowfox1221]

@@christianraxo7535 Because they are a pain to remove, don't give as good support as tacks do, and because Julian said so.

[@gabzillagab]

“It is what it is” Julian says *calmly* as he throws himself off of a 5 story building

[@marleyedwards5389]

Harry did you put your name in the goblet of fire

[@orangelake2268]

@@marleyedwards5389 nope

[@pxlz0729]

He said it as soon I read this comment! Freaky

[@levilevis9032]

"It is what it is" Julian says calmly as he wipes the blood off his knife and throws the body off the harbor.

[@meekcats]

" it is what is is " julian said with not a tint of emotion on his face, he calmly wiped the polyurethane off of his scalpel and threw a jug of polyurethane into the deep dark sea, hiding the evidence that polyurethane ever existed.

[@robinanwaldt]

Julian: "Somebody else had worked on this painting in the past." Me: "Oh boy. Here we go!" Julian: "Varnish it was not... it was Polyurethane." *Final boss music starts playing.*

[@alexandereaton7983]

*why do I hear boss music*

[@zapman6528]

I hear the second stage of Vordt of the Boreal Valley

[@steveurquell3031]

I wish somebody made a video with this. Just that part and the scraping, epic boss music and crazy edits during the scraping. Then victory music when he is done

[@senpaijecho]

Me, knowing literally nothing about art or conservation: who was the asshole who used polyurethane instead of a normal varnish???

[@zasherakhan6957]

Me too

[@audreyainsworth3817]

Right!?!

[@sheep1ewe]

Just another of those "eternal wonder materials" in some period and some poor soul believed in this new miracle i guess...

[@JonManProductions]

Reminds me of the time I had to strip a guitar body that was covered with literally bulletproof poly finish.

[@JorgeTamezPhoto]

Me, licking cheeto grease off my fingers: what a dumbass

[@Lhyllis]

Julian: Dramatically throws himself out of his window, landing unhurt with a soft thump on the ground just outside. Julian's Neighbors: "Must be polyurethane again."

[@louisesalg7762]

😂

[@tricia4479]

😂

[@ehbepbepbepbepbep4756]

😂

[@beboop322]

😂

[@BichaelStevens]

😂

[@MusicologyFriend]

Him: “It was polyurethane” My dad, an artist: wait, what? I used stuff I used to finish the table I made, what idiot used that on a painting?!” Me: *enjoying my dad and Julian destroy the past conservator*

[@kyden.props13]

Enemies of this channel: staples, polyurethane and inappropriate retouching Friends: rabbit skin glue, washikozo paper, tacks and Belgian linen

[@brunobucciarati834]

what about the b72 ? ;)

[@salenebrom6476]

Kyden Ritchie 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@LeeDee5]

You don't need to say washikozo paper" because the washi part already means paper. So it's like you're saying Japanese paper paper.

[@cantbeleveitsnotnaru]

You forgot copper tacks

[@Aphelia.]

@@LeeDee5 Wow so washi-tape only means "paper tape"? You learn something everyday by reading some random KZbin comment

[@courtneybell3319]

“They used polyurethane” Me with a mouthful of chips: “what an idiot”

[@peepindis]

I said the same while trying to scratch an itch on my back that was juuuuussst out of reach.

[@psychickoi]

I love how accurate this is

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

xd

[@katphyre]

Isn't it funny how watching this channel we've all become armchair conservators? It's like how I know nothing about sports until the two weeks of the Olympics and suddenly I'm an expert on gymnastics. :)

[@therestorationofdrwho1865]

@Oliver Eales Well don't.

[@coconoisette]

"I don't feel like I'm responsible for that damage" Ooo there's drama in the conservating community

[@AdriFVA]

That made me laugh sooo hard hahaha

[@wasweiich9991]

Techncially he is right. The one who put it on IS also responsible for what happens if it has to come off. I meanif a doctor is fixing the crap of anotehr doctor preiviously.. no onewould argue that it is necessray in order to fix the patient as a whole.

[@AzuRemilia]

Drama is inescapable it would appear

[@jar-of-bees]

@@AzuRemilia there's been drama in the church for thousands of years

[@tombickers]

There are DEEP ideological rifts in terms of whether the artist's original intent should even be respected, or whether an art piece should be seen as a "living" statement and conform to zeitgeist. Julian makes no pretense as to his position.

[@jackc714]

Video takeaways: 1. Polyurethane is incredibly hard to remove from painting 2. This won't be easy 3. Julien has talked extensively to his client about risks and precautions

[@ratatouille2129]

After this point I fall asleep, but everything before it is memorised due to repetition over many nights.

[@OlySamRock]

don't forget that the polyurethane is harder to remove in some places than others

[@joeb4142]

His nuclear powered hot air pencil helps with the removal of difficult sections of polyurethane.

[@xoooxzzzz5744]

but not with the tiny polyurethane leftovers because the hot pencil is at least a bit indiscriminate because you can't really fully control hot air

[@Tysknaden]

4. Some spots are more difficult than others.

[@RDSwords]

The only way he could be more angry is if the entire mount for the painting was made of staples.

[@moonsofourmother2815]

Hahaha!

[@naomihoffman5225]

HA!

[@faith9196]

Lmaoo

[@Maob08]

😂😂😂😂

[@ayannabertrand6985]

Or had patches of white lead paint lol

[@lanwangji3882]

Julian: And they used polyurethane Me: *Oh my god they used polyurethane*

[@cheyenneolive7261]

NDM Mendoza please tell me you’re referencing “oh my god they were roommates”

[@mareike5473]

aNd oH My gOd cHolEstEroL

[@porpedroiiebertrand]

ohhh... i got the reference

[@porpedroiiebertrand]

is it from that vine?

[@audoldends6799]

The amount of disgust packed into that one word so calmly was amazing

[@emptyaccount9821]

“It is what it is,” he says, with murderous intent.

[@alilordoftheskies5079]

It be like that sometimes

[@slinkytime8412]

this made me laugh so thank you

[@kittens_eat_pizza4055]

Him while killing the previous conservator: It is what it is!

[@dayjay2011channel]

Timestamp? Edit: 10:18 found it! I thought id leave it here incase that other lile one person needs it haha 12:51 too

[@scooter4999]

It izz wut it izz

[@GraceWhip]

As a chemistry student, as soon as he mentioned polyurethane I literally recoiled in horror. It's so harsh and nothing will let it release from contact with paint without damage.

[@racoonbiohazard]

"And I start to get a better idea of what the painting looked like" ... **Hatefully** " *Before the Polyurethane..* "

[@pep.monaco]

Anti-Human Society Of Zombies timestamp pls

[@orchidcapitalofitaly9780]

Time stamp?

[@lifeboat6284]

Phil The Enthusiast 22:25

[@gianmarcogiuli5959]

Julian: Sees the Polyurethane... Polyurethane: ...Why do I hear boss music?

[@laraerikson1423]

*plays one winged angel*

[@1234lavaking]

Julian: it was not varnish. it was...polyurethane *megalovania plays*

[@bruhmoment2297]

@@1234lavaking DODODO DO DO DO DO DODODO

[@sisconhimejoshi]

The way of removing polyurethane in the future: 1) get a time machine 2) travel back in time right to the moment of conversation 3) punch a person who applied the polyurethane in the face

[@maggiesmith856]

You need to punch him BEFORE he applies it.

[@jesswahyudi7652]

Julian would them be the first to get behind it

[@sujimtangerines]

Knowing how mechanically inclined Julian is, he'd be the one to build the time machine just to do this.

[@FuckingPurple]

it might actually be easier tbh

[@AVEZOID]

Or go to the future where they made a way to remove it easily with no damage then smuggle it back

[@spleens4200]

Julian makes me want to get a chemistry degree to find a chemical process thats tough on polyurethane and gentle on paint just so he can more successful painting restorations

[@jstar2332]

Do it, you will be famous too.

[@nikoaugustine5415]

Do it You’d be a paintings restorers god

[@spleens4200]

@@nikoaugustine5415 if only I was smart enough lol

[@chrisheartman9263]

@@spleens4200 With that attitude you'll never be able to find that. I know you can do it.

[@spleens4200]

@@chrisheartman9263 I’m an art major, not a science major xD

[@kyrasoares844]

Me: Sees him taking out cloth Me: B E L G I A N L I N E N

[@morietris]

Lol, I had the same reaction! "Ooh, out comes the Belgian linen!" Also when he said he was going to face the painting, I was like "and you're going to use a reversible adhesive and washi kozo to do it, amirite?" and it was so much fun to hear him say it 😀

[@cholec9230]

YESSSSSSS

[@cellomeid]

Erik Bongers ME TOOOO

[@hugopedro565]

Nope, the reversible adhesive!

[@johnversluys6916]

As a "Belgian American" (yes, it's a thing!!) it's always fun seeing him fraying the linen. lol.

[@MarcusVipsaniusAgrippaLXIII]

“I’m an antsy person”.....chooses one of the most meticulous, intense and stationary professions

[@NebachadnezzaR]

Was thinking the same. I work at an office and everytime I talk on the phone (which happens a lot) I have to get up and walk around. Don't know why I do it.

[@spaceyspace728]

I guess he also likes challenges

[@TheSaiyanKing]

Well, it is his family's business, so....

[@lias5188]

I just have a fidget drawer lol

[@caliv0608]

I have to wonder if he's in a metal band or does parkour after work. Anything to let loose.

[@mattcampbell5915]

Me laying in bed shoveling almonds in my mouth: "How dare they use polyurethane!!"

[@user-xb5bz4fu9o]

Meeeee

[@MrMongomoryST]

I'm crying lol

[@leyshagopaul7891]

Hey atleast you made a healthy choice :)))

[@RedzeeTV]

@@KillThad it is a starter kit element for his videos now

[@zdendasobr]

😂😂😂

[@kateanimates1268]

Julian: *Carefully puts tension on bedspread, folds down the edges, tacks in the edges*

[@Tazzie1312]

Let's just hope he doesn't put on diapers that way

[@_RKPhoenix_]

@@Tazzie1312 “why does your child always wear red diapers”

[@AlexGeo925]

Yep, that’s the conservator’s way of tucking the kids in and making *sure* they stay put.

[@rileyrat6065]

i love how Julian’s videos are so calm but his comment section is so chaotic

[@rynrose81]

riley I want to like this comment more than once BUT I CANT

[@incognitoburrito6020]

Julian's videos are so calm the universe itself mandated there be more chaos to keep the balance

[@julianharrison7193]

Thanks guys

[@laraerikson1423]

For every action there is an equal opposite reaction - Newton's Third Law of Physics. The very laws that governs our universe.

[@themastermason1]

I'd say the comments of Garand Thumb's videos are far more chaotic than this.

[@fruitymothman3255]

I love how he sounds so smooth and calm but you can hear the absolute *hatred* in his voice when he realized they used polyurethane

[@HappyQuailsLC]

I would call it disappointment, myself.

[@venisondenizen]

i never thought i'd end up in a painting restoration fandom but here we are

[@LeeDee5]

same here and somehow these videos became some of my most joyous watches on KZbin

[@mariewarrior5288]

saying "painting restoration fandom" is absolutely chaotic I can't believe I'm here but im having a great time lol

[@Karmy.]

Ikr

[@aidenflame1576]

God yes. I loved restoration videos the last couple years and found some crazy fandoms aand coooolstuff, im happy to be here to 💙💙

[@irune8943]

I never imagined there would exist a painting restoration fandom but here we are, being part of it

[@morganw.4711]

An aging retired conservator settles into his wingback chair with a snifter of brandy. Suddenly, something subtle changes about his cozy study- he realizes he’s not alone. A gentle, Midwestern voice echoes from the shadows. “Mathias Alten sent me”.

[@omarermenegildohernandez117]

'BAM BAM BAM' It is what its is.

[@dylanchouinard6141]

“Matthias Alten sent me” is the art conservator equivalent of “The Lannisters send their regards”

[@maggiesmith856]

The Police were puzzled that the body had been covered with polyurethane.

[@dylanchouinard6141]

@@maggiesmith856 it’s like gold finger

[@margarethuynh6328]

*julien being pissed about polyurethane for 41 minutes straight*

[@biabrmaria]

I only realized that I watched 41minutes when I read your comment......

[@veli328]

Bia M. i only realized i know how to spell when i read your comment......

[@emeraldfox2949]

Angery ASMR

[@avacado6399]

Then using fancy vondaweb tape

[@AircraftVids]

@@veli328 Your comment made me come to the realization that you are wrong.

[@radioactiveteabag828]

i love how aggressively supportive this fan base is.

[@IReallyLikeMyNamexD]

Aggressive is the right word thats for sure. The "You can pour some polyurethane on me, daddy" gang is strong in this one.

[@WimiBussard]

Hi, would you perhaps have some time to talk about our friend Mr. Baumgartner? *stares at you fanatically*

[@entr3_nou5]

it's about as aggressive as some of Julian's solvents!

[@BobRossCat]

Oof, yep. It's just: How dare you do things so perfect! ♥️♥️♥️♥️😤😤😤😤

[@radhikam2401]

Michael Rotmo lol. I am now one of those people. How did this happen? 😂

[@shakty_ym6606]

It's like the painting gets the most amazing massage, lift and detox therapy after hanging on a wall for hundreds of years.. imagine how relaxed she must be feeling

[@SilentSaturn]

shakty_ym spa day at the baumgartner studio! 💁‍♀️💅💆‍♀️

[@Phoenix-qm8wy]

some times you gotta just admit your jealous of a painting! queen got the works! hair nails IT ALL

[@prettykitty345]

Lmao, our girl also got impregnated hahahahaha must have been one of those special spas 🤣

[@Ralphinsc]

Got stretched out good too. Tapped from all sides and all the keyholes filled.

[@mydroidsbelinkin516]

More of getting layers of cement off their skin

[@Rubenwil]

I was waiting for him to say and: " and now we'll seal it in with a thick layer of polyurethane"

[@xantishayde-walker4593]

You monster! Lol!

[@two-sense]

Epoxy resin would be good too.

[@totalweirdo8538]

He would never joke about that

[@Rain-cs3wp]

Polyurethane: You’ll never get me off! Julian: *Bold words for someone within scraping distance*

[@toxendon]

This made me laugh more than it should... Especially imagining this guy and that painting in some anime battle lmao. Can someone please make a series where this guy's village is floored by the polyurethane-spraying Empire and he is the lone survivor looking for revenge?

[@nokiot9]

Susanna Beshai this reminds me of getting carried away chipping paint off of a bench or door or something

[@cxldsummrs]

U can get me off ;o

[@Tekcubb]

Eratosthenes I kinda want to make that now lol

[@jeremylim2421]

I can't scrape the shit out of you without getting closer.

[@Crowbars2]

I'm imagining a future conservator conserving this painting in like 100 years from now thinking "Man, the last conservator really fucked this painting up. They did SO much retouching." A chill goes down his spine, and then he hears a ghostly whisper "...Polyurethane..."

[@capslock9031]

This should be a movie!

[@bangganoerisputra9404]

So instead of Poltergeist it's Polyurethane

[@EmaA-pu7nc]

Conservators, roasting their predecessor, who is probably dead at their time.

[@SuikaNine]

maybe but then again, if a solar flare doesn't fuck up our power grid and erase the internet, that conservator would be able to see WHY it was so damaged.

[@lynetteyoung9777]

You always capture my attention. Each project is slightly different and I see something different each time that is interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@kampase]

This is how I feel whenever I buy a book with a paper sticker on the cover

[@pingnixon-hermansen5046]

Oh my god same

[@kanriiaki9580]

Especially when the cover is of a material that attaches firmly to the sticker

[@antr7493]

😁 😂 🤣 yup, the same

[@jaspirita]

Gus Johnson did a video about paper stickers, you'd probably love it XD

[@NeeraTheLynx]

kotsoteka and leave that gross glue behind 😭 luckily I use goo be gone and Q tips.

[@everybody48]

22:15 Me: ew what are all those brown dots? Julian: starts to scrape Me, recoiled in disgust: *polyurethane*

[@SWbloodwolf]

oh he's making some progress, shouldn't take THAT long *zooms out* oh god.

[@bortsampson6301]

When this popped onto my recommended videos a few times, I always thought that “Scraping, Scraping, Scraping, Or a Slow Descent into Madness” was the title of the painting and it really struck me how dramatic and neat of a title that was for the subject matter of the painting. Like the everyday relentless tedium of farming slowly driving a man mad through the years of his career My point is that this video has a really sick title

[@freezyberries]

bort sampson LMAO

[@kurasakage7736]

Yes! That was exactly what I thought! I was kinda let down when I realized that wasn’t the case, but my spirits were lifted cause Julien is just amazing

[@ihaventgrownaspine9994]

That was the title

[@anaha3015]

“Or god forbid, gluing it down to the stretcher” Me (who is not a conservator or artist of any kind and whose art knowledge is strictly limited to stick figure drawings): ugh, good lord, who and why would you even do such a thing?!

[@Benintende1952]

I just had my own “Scraping, Scraping, Scraping or A Slow Descent into Madness” moment. My husband and I just completed the replacement of a new glass shower enclosure in our bathroom - but before the “restoration” could begin the copious amount of silicone caulking needed to be removed. I really felt that the project was made easier by watching Julian’s videos. I needed to experiment with various solvents so as to know what would be the most appropriate. I set out my tools in an organized manner as I tried various solvent/tool combos. I piled the silicone pieces in large but tidy piles so I could “see” my progress. (This drove my husband crazy.) But even with my thorough research into silicone removal this job involved the scraping, scraping, scraping of endless silicone residue. I yearned for Julian’s “muscle memory” to complete this tedious task. I identified with Julian’s frustration that the previous shower door installer had used inappropriate methods of installment which made my current task more difficult. I reveled when I realized that the I could detect a difference of sound between surfaces with residue and surfaces where I had removed it. When I considered giving up on this tedious exercise I kept asking myself what would Julian do? Would he leave the job only half completed reasoning that no one would “see” any residue that would be hidden under the new shower door? Of course he wouldn’t. The only thing that seemed to deviate from making this a total Baumgartner experience was that I had no specialized photography to see areas that needed restoration, no need for use of the hot table and did not have to deal with any of those blasted staples that seem to be the bane of his existence. Oh, and for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how I was going to be able to use washi kozo paper and fish gelatin to protect the tile surfaces! All this and more went through my mind.

[@ktinxx]

Sounds like, inspite of the tedious scraping, scraping, scraping, you found fun in doing it!

[@marysperry]

Been there but had not had Julian's videos 30 years ago.😬

[@RevOwOlutionary]

Julian: "It was polyurethane" Me, sitting in my boxers at 4am, eating a sandwhich: "Rookie mistake"

[@BLCJ123]

Julian: And it was polyurethane Me: Oh my god it was polyurethane

[@Pimpmedown]

"can i copy your homework?" "yeah just make it look different" Homework: Kasia Lange vor 2 Wochen (bearbeitet) ,,They used polyurethane" Me at 3AM, sitting wrapped in a blanket, eating instant ramen: unacceptable.

[@vincent1782]

@@Pimpmedown you have quite a peculiar name, my good sir.

[@Pimpmedown]

@@vincent1782 let's say it is special. It got a weird but funny history for me actually so i am keeping it!

[@zancrow9974]

looool me rn

[@coradolgener1623]

Imagine Julian streaming all of this on twitch and the chat just roasting the polyurethane non-stop

[@justintime4u2bu]

PaperCat_Draws I’d watch that, I want to actually get something done when watching something for once. Also I’d imagine it being a subdued and pleasantly cathartic stream to watch

[@222o-u3t]

Yes, finally a twitch stream without weeb dudebros or titties!

[@kottonkandy0962]

Ent Acc - **roblox streamers want to know your location**

[@flower.twilight]

Twitch really won’t work with Julian’s workflow. He made it clear he has to step away * sometimes, and works in short bursts. Besides that, his whole workplace is in different places, so it would be cumbersome for him to make that work well. He also makes it clear that some days, he feels it and some days he doesn’t. It’ll take a lot of work to make shots viewable at all when moving paintings around a lot. I don’t really know. (Zach Sparks said it well too!) He needs to be delicate and you can’t ensure that on Twitch’s demands.

[@meeks6798]

I’m having Bob Ross streams flashbacks

[@levilevis9032]

Polyurethane, for those who don't know, is literally epoxy, the stuff they use to bind fiberglass and encase stuff in when it needs to be bulletproof, and these people poured it all over a fricking painting.

[@TryinaD]

levi levis I do resin art and I cringed so hard when I heard polyurethane

[@trailofdebris]

i watch someone to woodwork and stuff and he sometimes uses polyurethane as coating for his work when he wants it to be pretty much bulletproof (his workshop table has a couple coatings on it for example). when julian mentioned they'd put it on a *painting* my jaw dropped, like wtf where they thinking

[@levilevis9032]

@@trailofdebris They were probably amateurs, and didn't know the epoxy would discolor so much over time, or be that impossible to remove.

[@VictorPereira-sj7wb]

@@trailofdebris what channel?

[@trailofdebris]

@@VictorPereira-sj7wb pocket83

[@annastevenson8575]

It’s really really interesting to hear about how personal tolerance and the brain plays into your work. I’m so used to the idea that artists should just power through their body’s natural signs telling them to rest in order to work more. I know sometimes I draw for so long my eyes start to blur, but I’ve always tried to force myself through it under the guise it’d make me stronger in the long run. I think people make it seem like getting worn out is a personal weakness that needs to be overcome to be “good,” but seeing you incorporate frustration and exhaustion as almost equally important as using the right kind of solvent or amount of heat helped me see it in a different light.

[@joeb4142]

Everyone is different and you need to find your correct life/work balance.

[@rowing-away]

julian: “i discovered varnish it was not-it was polyurethane.” me, who just discovered this channel this week, eating goldfish in my bed: “what an absolute rookie, it’s like they wanted the painting to get damaged”

[@darcy031685]

Rory Feicht Me too. Like when he’s applying the Japanese paper to a painting and I’m like, “Ah, yes, that was my first choice too. Good thinking.” As if all my knowledge about art restoration and preservation didn’t come from this channel.

[@timtams_6]

"Eating goldfish" Wut

[@Vitx0o]

@@timtams_6 the little snack thingies

[@TheRisky9]

Kind of like when your grandparents laid carpet on hardwood floors.

[@lace685]

Timothy Liu they’re like Cheezits but less orange and shaped like fish. Idk if it’s just an American thing

[@paganpines]

"If somebody wants to come back and undo this, they can. *Not sure why they would.* ' Nice flex Julian

[@amazing7633]

I've got friends who restore pianos, especially player pianos. The best restorers always think of the NEXT restoration. They usually use hide glue rather than anything else, as did the original builders of the pianos. Hide glue has been in use for perhaps 4000 years (you'll find it in Egyptian furniture), and is reversible. Thank Ra, the ancient Egyptians managed to avoid inventing polyurethane.

[@requiem6465]

This series is proof enough that people will watch anything as long as the host is passionate, entertaining and charismatic.

[@tatikto]

Large Marge he is intelligent, cult and hot. That also is very appealing

[@DefensorMilitas]

The technical know-how is outstanding, in order to restore a painting close to the artist's intent and then work to preserve. The combo of artistic ability and technical skill.

[@ChuckNorrizHIM]

This was a passion project for a passion project. Yes it's being done for a living, but even in the most frustrating parts he still laughs while rewatching. It's clear this man will be an inspiration for decades. I don't plan on being in this occupation, but if I wasn't so willingly unorganized? This fellow would be a good reason to jump into it.

[@jolyhesus721]

so true. and conservation process is weirdly interesting to watch

[@julesivy4775]

check out ants canada. i absolutely loathe ants but the host is super enthusiastic about ants so even i find his videos fun & interesting.

[@supimpanda2312]

If this were me you would see tears start to hit that painting by minute 2

[@sinwithagrin4243]

Just a steady stream of muffled curses under the respirator

[@kairi419]

Julian: "And now, the obligatory dusting to the camera lens, that I know everone loves.". Me: wrapped in a cocoon, eating a whole cake "Hehe. You know me so well julian'"

[@nekochadechu]

When this happens i feel like it's on my face and i shake my head haha

[@sophiepollock5652]

Galobin I always flinch when that happens 😂

[@edherdman9973]

me: thanks, I hate it

[@birdbones5205]

Same but with my girlfriend's hoodies and ranch pringles

[@Emisanboo]

Theory: Julian grew the beard because he can't bear to scrape anything anymore, even his face.

[@DialektLp]

Next Sponsor: Dollar Shave Club

[@shitmultiverse1404]

But hey, that's just a theory

[@stepcorngrumbleteats7683]

Howling laughter ! TY.

[@michaelbacon8698]

@@stepcorngrumbleteats7683 howling fuck your self

[@kottonkandy0962]

Michael Bacon - ok sad teenager who’s mother doesn’t love them enough, ok

[@ShartinScorsese]

"What looks like a garbage dump or a hot steamy mess is actually a real big asset" - me, trying to pep myself up about my personality

[@SaltedFlake]

The sound of the polyurethane being scraped off and watching as the original painting is uncovered is so satisfying and I love it.

[@Corpse-rat]

"Scraping, Scraping, Scraping Or A Slow Descent Into Madness" *Verdi's "Dies Irae" plays in the background* "They used polyurethane" *"Dies Irae" plays harder*

[@sadiebaber7557]

this comment is really underrated

[@garbiiiiij]

BRUH

[@colmivers]

Drum, strings, drum, strings, drum,strings, drum, strings! Bom. Bom. Baaawm bawmp-bawmp Choir: àaaaaasssssaahahahahaaahhha!!!!!

[@ellaorlando4372]

I've never loved a comment more.

[@salenebrom6476]

Victor 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mildgrooveon]

You can see him considering a career change in this one.

[@jamilynperez9997]

Honestly 😂

[@ogjuan1154]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@NadiaCBorba]

😂😂😂 so true! LOL

[@firstname163]

😂

[@jellyfish0311]

But washikozo is here to save him

[@TheRisky9]

Julian: You didn't see me banging my head against the wall, because I forgot to film it. But rest assured, I did.

[@GB-go6gp]

"... I really wanted it to go easy. It didn't" That statement alone makes you, an artist preserving artistry, invaluable... especially to people like me (who don't have a creative cell in our bodies), appreciate the work of talented artists like you. Thanks to you, for all you preserve, thereby making our world more beautiful.

[@VAKYRIE1435]

Dang you not only gotta be a conservator, you gotta be an artist, a chemist, a machine expert, and pretty much a god.

[@eri-zs4vq]

And some *_steady hands_* that thing is *HARD* to master most

[@moonsofourmother2815]

Truth

[@dianamaria4871]

I think by definition an artist knows how to do an incredible amount of things XD

[@cuac5869]

Diana Maria yes pretty much, but conservation is a whole other level.

[@MxTHRTN]

You forgot carpenter

[@philthethotdestroyer4194]

Polyurathane: *exists* Julian: "and i took that personally"

[@mcstuff888]

nice

[@ernestopablo1459]

reddit moment

[@alissachisolm2460]

Julian: "this will be easy..' Polyurathane: "I'm about to ruin this man's whole career"

[@waynesouthwell]

we all did :(

[@sarroumarbeu6810]

Like who the hell pours an irrecevable chemical based protective coat ON A PAINTING 😭😭😭

[@heesett]

*"This painting is just as cracked as my personal life"*

[@pierresihite8854]

Very accurate

[@micah5038]

The normal varnish on the painting in the beginning is non-existent like my friends

[@poetrysday5160]

Mood

[@promperumpe]

same

[@Frank-Thoresen]

As he restored the painting, you can restore your life. It just takes patience and hard work 🎨. And then the true colors and textures comes to life. ❤️😁

[@Jeremiah5691Ma]

Julian: Sometimes a painting fights back The brawler: Fine, I'll do it myself

[@roxana049]

That's exactly what I was thinking 🤣

[@kaylen6492]

What did the brawler do?

[@allycat5609]

​@@kaylen6492Nothing, technically. It just had a lot done to it.

[@torzimay]

Julian: "Varnish it is not. It's polyurethane." Me, watching this for the 5th time: "GREAT SCOTT"

[@julianamarie8280]

SAME

[@codyfreeman2556]

only 5? pfft rookie.

[@MsSarahJosephine]

This is heavy

[@torzimay]

@@NPC-jt3gp AND that interesting

[@torzimay]

@@NPC-jt3gp Happy New Year!

[@cutekidcourt]

watching all the damage just. disappear during the retouching: **chef's kiss**

[@FiatMortem]

Makes me wanna reverse the video....

[@indafunk096]

"They added... polyethylene" Me, banging my fists on the table without a single idea of that the hell that is: hoW DARE THEM

[@andyrevan]

They were good cows before

[@DancesWithSloth]

Polyurethane.

[@chensgold]

it's the plastic foam they use to install doors.

[@toastwell6488]

Polyurethane is basically a strong, glossy, adhesive coating material commonly used on wood- such as flooring. It’s a pain to poly large areas of flooring because it’s really strong. You have to sand the old polyurethane off, then vacuum and clean the floor, then apply the first coat, then let it dry for a few days (don’t forget to air the room out while the floor’s drying, because polyurethane-scented air can do serious harm!), wash and vacuum the floor again, repeat for a second and third coat. And if you mess up? Back to the drawing board, because your floor looks awful now. Also, I think it might be dangerous to get on your skin, too. I have no idea why anyone would put the Devil’s clear nail polish on a painting.

[@chensgold]

@@toastwell6488 I think because it's so strong, it can protect the paint well if it's well done :/ my dad accidentally put some polyurethane foam on some clothes of mine and I never could get it off, had to throw them away.

[@JesseCase]

I'm a gunsmith and there's plenty of tedious slow processes involved in what we do, but I have to give it to this man because there's no way I would make it through doing what he does. That's just way too tedious for me! I might could pull it off one time over several years or something, but he does this for a living on a daily basis. I would go out of my mind! I salute you sir!

[@samanthakeebler4067]

You should make videos about what you do

[@JesseCase]

I seriously have thought about doing that. I actually have been looking into KZbin starter kits recently. The only video equipment I currently own is my phone and tablet and they both are just too slow and old so I would definitely need to get a starter kit to try to do it on a serious level. If you are interested in what I do there is already several good Gunsmithing channels on KZbin. You just have to watch out for the hobbyist that call themselves a Gunsmith and put out very incorrect and misinformed information. Usually you can tell pretty quickly if they are legit or not.

[@samanthakeebler4067]

@@JesseCase Thank you I will definitely check out what you do today and remember nothing has a deadline on it you can always save up for a nice starter kit and everyone starts somewhere. I believe in you. You seem very put together and intelligent I would definitely watch your videos if you made some!

[@JesseCase]

@@samanthakeebler4067 Well thank you very much! That is a very nice thing to say! You have made my day. People like you are quite rare nowadays because it seems like most people just want to tear others down in the comments instead of lifting them up and motivating them. You have definitely helped motivate me so I guess now just wish me luck that it works out and doesn't end up being a dud, lol!!

[@Maldito011316]

@@JesseCase How is the KZbin project going, buddy? Did it go well? Even if you haven't done it yet, you still can do it! It can get you publicity and new clients too. Also it's a good way to show ppl what you do

[@celestegomez2857]

Julian: “i applied an isolation layer but you didn’t see it because I forgot to film it!” Me: *suspicious* Julian: “trust me, it’s there” Me: oh okay! :)

[@gegwen7440]

Fancy that was a trade secret of his.

[@Davitul1]

He lives the introvert's dream life, he has this whole studio with all of his favorite gadgets and tools, all for himself, doing what he likes, sharing it with thousands of people with no direct interaction. And to top it of, he deserves all of it.

[@the_hate_inside1085]

If he likes doing this, he sure moans a lot about it.

[@joetedrick4798]

The_Hate_Inside i mean it’s clear this one was particularly unpleasant

[@ewolbach]

Davitul But he never tells you about the pain in the *ss customers that think they know more/better than he does. 😜

[@joyfulyes]

​@@ewolbachohh I bet there are some of those people. Those are the projects that don't end up on KZbin 😁

[@reki76]

I have now a loathe for polyurethane as if it had offended me personally.

[@draco_2727]

Val, I was thinking the same xD hahaha like f*k that poly-crap, who does that to a painting?

[@CyraEmm]

Same. Polyurethane might as well have broken into my house, broken my phone, stole my credit card, and kicked my cat.

[@art_and_sh.t4265]

As if?? It did, hon.

[@chynnavindiola58]

@@CyraEmm killed my mother, stole my tv!!

[@therealunslimshady471]

@@CyraEmm Fed my golfish to the cat :(

[@micaelaheusdens8029]

As a person that is really perfectionist with everything I do, these type of videos are a great comfort to me. I always take my time to do things perfectly. Also, the total opposite to my mother, who gets frustrated seeing me taking my time. I love these videos and the story behind all of the paintings. Thank you for showing us your job.

[@boats_r_cool]

"I might have thrown either myself, or the painting out the window." That hit home dude

[@largol33t1]

I would have felt like keeping a cyanide pill under the table to end the misery quickly. After watching this and seeing the frustration on his face, I would have suddenly found the cyanide quite tasty if I was stuck doing this for hours and hours!

[@Forever_Rayne]

I could feel his frustration.

[@michaelkowalski4831]

Prolly rues the ground floor lease... lol - well done Julian - good results too.

[@ysucae]

nah you throw the painting first and the you fall on top of it,classic

[@ArriEllieJelly]

*jumps out the first floor window*

[@luke6597]

“Guess what? More scraping” He sounds like he regrets his career choice lmaooo

[@Maob08]

He probably questioned everything by that time

[@TessaImAMessa]

More likely he questioned the career choice of the previous conservator

[@NeeraTheLynx]

Probably questioned his parents on why they conceived him.

[@idkwhattoputhere4695]

Polyurethane isn’t even a word anymore It’s a hate crime

[@thumbsup5524]

hey i like mcr too

[@doggoboii]

an artistic epithet

[@cratecruncher6687]

Nice restoration. I was looking at the data plate of my favorite car a few days ago thinking a varnish would protect and saturate the remaining color. Its 60 years old and faded but gives the car it's authenticity. It should look old but not damaged. I first thought about the durability of a polyurathane overcoat but after seeing your restorations I immediately thought about the next guy trying to get that crap off. I decided on a water-based polycrylic clear that can be softened with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab without softening the original enamel. Therefore, easily reversible!

[@Nimsrodel]

I thought polycrylic was polyurethane.

[@beekinddd]

julian is really out here, destroying polyurethane’s career, getting sponsored, getting BANK, and is still conservation daddy

[@fluffy6628]

Yay, conservation daddyyyyyy energy

[@regisatlas]

and that sponsor segue was LIIIT🔥

[@alexalexalex1823]

this dude is married and youre really gonna call him daddy...

[@fluffy6628]

alexalexalex do something about it bitch

[@eritheacorn]

@@alexalexalex1823 my father is married and I call him daddy :////

[@irlywannadie8409]

this sleep-deprived voiceover felt like a twitter rant thread from julian and i honestly loved it

[@ciel9112]

Someone put it into words

[@ChristinaJ01126]

That is exactly what it sounded like

[@arsenicflask]

What Julian? That lemur from Madagascar?

[@Man-ej6uv]

@@arsenicflask ntjefndndfgsfnggn

[@pleuvxir_]

@@arsenicflask that’s the guy that is talking and restoring the painting

[@vishockxii7143]

so ... art conservation is a fight between you and the last restorer?

[@edherdman9973]

"Now that's a name I've not heard in a long time."

[@EleanorofAquitaine42]

Finish him!!

[@marlene2723]

Always.

[@Mayllee1]

New drinking game: Take a shot every time he says "Polyurethane".

[@peggyling8144]

We're all gonna die 😂

[@VxAgain]

“Staples”, guaranteed drinking for EVERY video 😯🙈🍻

[@Tantejay]

I am absolutely impressed about the level of disgust one word can hold: “Polyurethane“ :)

[@draco_2727]

xD hahaha right? now I f*king hate that thing

[@Tantejay]

@Nightmare Strawberry Chic I do, too. It was probably a “let's cover it in that stuff and preserve it forever“ kind of thing.

[@fluffy6628]

*vomits*

[@randomix2806]

YOU SAY THE P-WORD

[@UnderscoreSystem]

As someone who removed polyurethane from a guitar body using this exact same technique I can say I feel so much of this guys pain

[@vapingcat9880]

Your patience is admirable, I coud never

[@axilmcconkey1200]

on a guitar???! ohhhhhh god your patience is incredible

[@sethescope]

old comment, but I have to ask: why would someone put polyurethane on a guitar??

[@eddievhfan1984]

@@sethescope Most modern guitar finishes are polyurethane-based paints as opposed to the old nitrocellulose-based ones. Nitro-vs.-poly debates are one of the fiercest sources of flamebait in the guitarist community.

[@sethescope]

@@eddievhfan1984 ohhhh, thank you! I appreciate the explanation because I know exactly zero things about how guitars are made haha

[@ratbastian]

Julian: So I'm fraying the edges of Me in sync: Belgian linen,

[@dhanyarrozie]

Exactly me

[@examichelle]

It's awesome when you've watched so many of these videos, that you begin to recognize some of the materials, techniques and tools.

[@chrispritchard4676]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It took me back 50 years when I trained as a picture restorer with a long established Company. It all came flooding back to me. Polyurathane had not reared its head, but bitumen shrinkage in the oils was aklways a "tester". Thank you for your skills and ability.

[@jerrynoruega1625]

It strikes me every time how he went from being that strictly informative, formal guy back the restoration process to an actual person, creating all those forms of contact between himself and the people watching him. He was a great professional from the beginning, but now he's become a performer. This is what I count as a good youtuber. He deserves my every like.

[@Snabader]

I don't like his new style. It was so refreshing to watch a channel where people weren't trying to "perform" or "entertain". Give me back the old Julian who would just comment what's happening without emotion.

[@violetrose740]

@@Snabader Maybe he just became more comfortable in his commentaries and that was why he is much more casual and "a performer" . I get your frustration, so it's OK if you want his old style. As long as he doesn't botch up his work, everything he does is fine by me.

[@redwitch12]

@@Snabader Normally, I very much enjoy his calm, informative tone, but in this case, I liked hearing the emotion in his voice. It reassures me that he's actually a living human, not a Conservation-Bot 5000. Anyone who takes pride in their profession would be at least a little upset at seeing sloppy, improper work, especially if it caused actual, irreversible damage to its subject. Hearing the emphasis in his tone makes it clear that he loves and respects artists and their art, and it pains him to see a painting degraded not by the inevitable passage of time, but by poor and careless treatment. I'm also impressed by the fact that he doesn't heap graphic personal insults upon the unnamed, brainless douchebauble who thought it was a good idea to take a canister of the stuff you'd use to seal a wooden floor and APPLY IT TO A PAINTING. (Or if he DID heap such insults, he kept it off-camera, because he's a professional.)

[@gunblade250]

@@Snabader I disagree, he's still informative, before he was just giving facts. Now he's also adding in EDUCATED opinion, which is also valuable. You get the facts, and you also get the opinion of someone who has been doing this for a long time.

[@isaachoffmeister4188]

@@op-z do you have some words missing in your comment? I can't seem to parse what you're trying to say

[@rubywolfwill2020]

“Today we’re going to be following the conservation of a panting that didn’t look that bad when it came in” *sees it’s a 40 minute video*

[@phobiamanic467]

Oh no

[@danielalt7054]

That’s the same with Bon Appetite when Claire says “I think it’s gonna be easy” and there’s like 30 minutes left

[@ethang.8238]

*whispers* polyurethane...thane... thane

[@user-ot5ds8ek7v]

Me: Knows absolutely nothing about restoration Also me: What kind of AMATEUR uses polyurethane on a painting? And STAPLES and GLUE? God forbid.

[@mariaheart6980]

I would 😂😂

[@porcelainhand]

I do feel like he'd destroy something with a very deep satisfaction. He's so delicate and gentle now, but imagine giving him something important and the possibility to break it

[@felixmarques]

Why does this read sexy.

[@MissPoplarLeaf]

@@felixmarques We love a good hero-to-villain arc 👏

[@carlotta4th]

Weird fan fic. I feel like that would be very out of character for him.

[@porcelainhand]

@@carlotta4th I mean, after that amount of scraping? Baby, nothing is out of character for anyone if you scrape off enough layers ;) Or, in our case, if they spend enough time on scraping off one layer. Actually what I wanted to say originally was that sometimes people really enjoy doing things differently then they do them most of the time, and there is a possibility that a guy that spends a lot of time restoring stuff would have fun breaking something, especially if it wasn't as important as the pieces of art he's usually working on. Why didn't I say it first thing? I just kinda couldn't resist going into a semi-comedic character writer rant

[@porcelainhand]

@@MissPoplarLeaf absolutely. We do.

[@summersettle4680]

So today I baked a loaf of bread and due to circumstances beyond my control, the parchment paper got stuck to the bottom. As I was trying to figure out how to get the paper off the bottom without puncturing the loaf and letting out all the steam, I remembered this video and proceeded to scrape at the paper with the sharpest knife I could find. Long story short, Mr. Baumgartner, you have saved my loaf of bread and if that doesn’t make you feel like your life has meaning, I don’t know what will. Seriously though, I’ve watched this video so many times and find it immensely satisfying. Thanks for sharing.

[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

I’m here for this 😁

[@dancingnature]

Creatives always think outside the box

[@j3ffn4v4rr0]

because of you guys, I'm gonna stop spraying my bread with polyurethane

[@jjjthe_dark7260]

You fool, you forgot to face the bread with a thin layer of washi koso and Belgian linen held together with a reversible heat activated binder

[@pauper_art]

@@jjjthe_dark7260 IM WHEEZING

[@lindashrugemoji9351]

his ad transitions always have the biggest dad energy

[@elliecole6487]

If that ain’t the truth

[@machen_c_adores_you]

yes

[@kale0811]

i literally cannot believe they used polyurethane,,, in this household? disgusting

[@pixelilly]

I’ve had to strip polyurethane off of a hardwood floor and I cursed the people that did it. It’s never, ever ok.

[@camilakeller5256]

‘

[@tarraing6566]

How DARE they

[@aarontheperson6867]

yeah, it should be used for condoms and condoms only

[@Infinite_Jester]

@@pixelilly what's wrong about polyurethane in wood floors if it's applied well? Is just because it's difficult to remove? Can't it just be sandpapered? I don't know anything about woodwork.

[@toffeeofthesnails]

this man has the patience of a saint, I would stare at other projects and cry.

[@ClevorBelmont]

I’ve never heard such scathing words delivered so soothingly

[@fleurettea]

that's julian for you

[@examichelle]

Just Julian's style

[@Isa-yp2rr]

"Up to a thousand degrees” *panics in celsius*

[@dragonmaid1360]

Every time!

[@finjaquetemumnomeaqui4838]

1000 degrees in fahrenheit is about 300 degrees in celsius.

[@Isa-yp2rr]

Finja que tem um nome aqui Yes but 1000 c would be 1832 f

[@brreeaad]

oh what he meant Fahrenheit?? america is a fucking joke

[@maxaroni7279]

oh darn so he was only saying like 40 degrees when he was referring to 100.... i thought he was trying to set the painting on fire or something!

[@annanewby7430]

"Ah, Polyurethane, we meet again, my old nemesis. You cannot have this painting. I will save it from your clutches..." *scratch scratch scratch scratch* -Julian

[@joyenglish1275]

😂

[@handsomemonkeyking5299]

I don’t know why I clicked on this but I don’t regret it one bit. The passion and expertise of someone like this is absolutely captivating. I wish my professors were like this, my life would be so much easier.

[@joeb4142]

Julian learned from his father, who I understand was a bit of an ahole. So I think he consciously tries to be patient and understanding.

[@SamR001]

“I would’ve thrown this painting or myself out the window” 😂 me too

[@kyoutenkujo8429]

LOL

[@thegriffin88]

My initial reaction was a Scrubs moment of slamming my face into the wall and then just turning around and getting to work, having gotten that out of my system.

[@aguabendita.]

I felt that

[@Ash-wu4oq]

Me: knew absolutely nothing about art restoration before this channel Julian: -... Polyurethane Me: god what an amateur, who would ever do that

[@a-ghost-named-Anna]

Same

[@gabiferreira6864]

Same

[@Youshallbeeatenbyme]

Same

[@neonsneptune]

Same

[@JustinLevesque]

Same

[@chibinecco1981]

My first thought upon seeing this painting brought out, "That looks like the shit they used on my old grade school gym floor." Julian: And they used polyurethane. Me: Oh my god it IS the shit they used on my old grade school gym floor D8

[@dragontrooper4284]

Lol

[@wassupbros4629]

We use the powder when we run out of the white stuff

[@HigorDuarteOficial]

After he finished with the polyurethane, he mentioned plywood... I immediately panicked... and was filled with joy when he said it was going to be easy to remove. I'VE BEEN WATCHING THIS CHANNEL FOR ONLY THREE DAYS AND I'M ALREADY SO INVESTED, THAT I CRIED WHEN HE SEPARATED THE PAINTING FROM THE PLYWOOD! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

[@HigorDuarteOficial]

He's gonna have to scrape the rabbit skin glue? SERIOUSLY? I was just so happy a few seconds ago

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Julian: After all that- I think I deserve some ice cream Me: God yes you do!

[@ChristinaJ01126]

Julian is a queen and deserves all the ice cream in the world

[@danielalt7054]

toes my brain only read queen and ice so I thought Julian was Elsa

[@peterbernier7461]

I hope you brought the kid with you to the Ice Cream Shop!

[@normablake2748]

Just be sure it's Bluebell Ice Cream. It's the National State of Texas favorite brand. I love the Homemade Vanilla, it's to die for! That Texas Gal !!!

[@spookypen]

33:31 "I'm kind of an antsy person." You're literally one of the most patient people I've ever seen in my life.

[@razornz007]

We only get to see what he decides to show us, however.

[@welcometohell3002]

i don't know how i can simultaneously be calmed and agitated at the same time but this video did it

[@SwitchelSweets]

welcome to hell the ASMR episode of this would be i n f u r i a t I n g

[@MsSteelphoenix]

"Luke, I am your conservator." Not just an amazing conservator but a geek too! 😂 Love it!