A large number of products, both natural and synthetic, have been and are used for the consolidation of flaking or fragile paint layers occurring on paintings, polychrome sculpture, furniture and other cultural objects. Most products in use, which include natural as well as synthetic materials, remain untested. In fact, very little research has occurred specifically geared toward the development of consolidants. A new research initiative involving several research laboratories in the United States and Europe aims at understanding the properties required in consolidants and developing new materials.