A new kind of material has been developed in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to help ancient frescos recover their original color.

The material, which is developed by the Xi'an Archive Protection Institute, can easily dissolve itself into organic fluorine, thus forming a kind of anti-weathering agent.

Studies have found that frescos tend to lose their colors because the pigments used eventually form a layer of compact powder, which will scatter and refract light.

However, the agent, after being sprayed on the frescos, can eliminate light scattering or refraction on the layer of compact powder and enable light to enter the pigment, hence recovering the original colors.

Experts began to use the agent to repair ancient frescos on an experimental basis in 1996, and the results showed that it worked well.

The technique has recently passed appraisal by a panel of experts from the State Bureau of Cultural Relics and they said that the material would contribute not only to fresco repair work in China, but also worldwide.

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2003)