Small aluminum parts can be anodized and dyed. Consult CCI Note 13/14 Testing for Colourfastness for an alternative version of this test. Matboard recommended for conservation purposes, described by the manufacturers as 100% rag fibre, is available either buffered (pH 7.58.5) or unbuffered (pH 7). The high-density overlay surface has a slick or waxy surface and cannot be painted (in case this is necessary for display aesthetics), while the medium-density overlay can accept paint. To determine if a fabric, paper or matboard (whether wet or dry) could transfer dye to objects. A sealant, or caulk, is an unformed flexible product (elastomer) applied permanently in a joint to prevent the passage of air. Although polycarbonate panels have better impact resistance, acrylic panels remain a more popular choice for glazing. CCI 120171-0006Figure 9. Nylon-6,6 is a transparent film. Known as Lexan or Makrolon (formerly Tuffak), polycarbonate resists shattering, which gives it a security advantage as an impact-proof material. A gasket is a compressible, rubber-like material that is squeezed between two mating surfaces to form a static seal. Look for a company that offers a 10-year warranty for its products. Wait 24 hours. PadCAD: cushion design software. PE sheets are typically available in high and low density. The oil may be removable on non-porous surfaces but not on a porous object. Some types of laminated board boxes are reinforced with metal edges for added strength and durability. Stains on a historic scrapbook caused by tape adhesive: before treatment (left) and after treatment (right). FOSSHAPE is a dense felt-like material made of polyester fibres. Although some products have deficiencies, using only ideal products for all applications can be restrictive and expensive. External sources may help you find information on other products, as well as further information on products covered here. Boxes and small containers can be made using a wide variety of products. Incorrect support or the deformation of a degraded support over time (deficiency in the support to carry the weight of the object or counter gravity). For example, a 20-year-old urethane gasket, shown here, that was kept in the dark and in stable environmental conditions is now falling apart. Ideally, products used in museums should not contain pollutants and should have long-term chemical and physical stability. Polyethylene foam planks glued together to make a period mannequin (left) and padded with polyester quilt batting and covered with jersey knit (right). CCI 120260-0334
Modern glass is stable and provides an excellent barrier. They are often used in a combination of layers of increasing densities (e.g. Products used to treat objects are not covered here, nor are electronic features such as lighting and security devices. damage that occurs to the object by incorrect use of products (Table 3). They can also cut into softer surfaces (such as wood, plaster, paints and finishes, other plastics, leather, basketry fibres, soapstone, some ceramics) which results in disfiguring grooves on the objects if there is no padding (e.g. Their service lifetime is a maximum of 30 years, but they may fail earlier if they are thin and if there is any movement in the joints. CCI 124008-0027
Usually, both neutral and alkaline papers are suitable for preventive conservation and can be used for wrapping many types of objects, such as paper documents, black and white photographs and black and white negatives. Figure 33. These products are available either in sheets or rolls. A second piece of glass or hard plastic is placed on top. Large and rigid tubes or rods are used primarily for display and for storing rolled flat textiles and similar objects. Pollutant sorbents will provide additional long-term protection. easy to handle (provided with sturdy handles and not too heavy). damage that occurs to objects by airborne pollutants emitted by products (Table1); damage that occurs to objects by direct contact with products (Table 2); and. It is a medium density 35.2 kg/m3 (2.2lb./ft.3), closed-cell foam available with thicknesses from 38 to 102 mm (1.5 to 4 in.). A non-porous interleaf (e.g. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1999. away from an exterior (cold) wall or from the floor if the enclosure panel facing the wall or the bottom is not thermally isolated. A collapsible, custom-fitted box made of a plastic corrugated sheet for a fragile ivory casket. Acrylic, polystyrene (Figure 19), polypropylene, polyethylene (e.g. salt): efflorescence, Lead glazed ceramics: salt efflorescence on the glaze, Wood (oak and cedar being among the most acidic) and wood products (such as plywood, particleboard, cardboards and papers), Many types of fresh coatings (oil-based paint being the most acidic), Acetoxy cure silicone sealants (universal type, which release acetic acid), Vinegar-based cleaning solutions (sometimes labeled as green cleaning products), Cellulose nitrate film or object: crystal growth, disfigurement of image, Linseed oil (e.g. For more information on mechanical fasteners, consult CCIs resource Mount-making for Museum Objects (Barclay et al. An example of a stain caused by contact with a knot in a piece of wood. For more details on these issues, consult the CCI resource Mount-making for Museum Objects (Barclay et al. This section describes the principles that guide the selection of products typically used for display, storage and transportation. The solution is to increase the contact area between the string and the object. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. Wood and metals: both need an interleaf to block acid compounds from the wood and to avoid staining the object in contact with the tarnished metal. The sheet is often used to cover large items such as paintings. Ethafoam 220 is a popular and safe polyethylene foam plank for preservation. ISO 18902:2007, Imaging Materials Processed Imaging Materials Albums, Framing and Storage Materials. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. They should not be used close to objects having powdery surfaces (e.g. The physical properties of products tend to reflect their specific life-cycle phase. Figure 24. soil, brick, plaster and stone), Products containing iron or its alloys such as paper clips, staples and unpadded metal mounts, Galvanic corrosion between two metals (high RH required), Metals: the less noble metal in contact will corrode; therefore objects made of zinc, aluminum, lead or iron are more at risk, Product made of a more noble metal than the object (for example nickel or copper and their alloys, in particular brass rods and strips commonly used for mounts). Transparent plastics offer the advantage of allowing objects to be viewed without handling (note though that the wrapping or padding which usually covers the object, at least partially, is usually not transparent). If using coloured matboard, ensure that the dye is fast (consult Test #3: Testing for colourfastness). A polyurethane gasket is another example of a product with a limited lifespan of about 1020 years, changing from rubbery to brittle (as shown in Figure 3) and thus losing its gasketing ability. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1999. Objects can be composed of one or more materials and can be movable (such as archaeological and historic artifacts, paintings, books, archival documents, furniture, costumes, etc.) Top view of a fragile archaeological object made of muskox horn within its recessed storage mount. Some products that are recommended for general use may present risks under certain conditions. These options are described below. Contact between metallic objects and metallic products may cause galvanic corrosion in a highly humid environment (described under Contact). They are often made of formaldehyde-based resins such as phenol formaldehyde and/or melamine formaldehyde, and they are not problematic (emissive or corrosive). Lamps inside enclosures increase the temperature (which will affect the RH). Fortunately, for many applications, products do not need to be chemically and physically perfect, such as when the objects are non-reactive (or slightly reactive) or robust or are not located close to emissive products. These are cyanotypes (produced from 1842 until the 1950s) and dye-transfer prints (rare, produced between 1946 and 1993), which are stabilized at an acidic pH (Lavdrine 2009). Only when wool is almost touching sensitive metals, such as silver, is there a cause for concern. Incorrect support (uneven or poorly distributed support) or the deformation of a degraded support over time (pull of gravity). Products containing sulfur compounds are known to discolour, corrode and weaken some objects. Alternative products to plastic films are some non-woven fabrics such as Tyvek (described under Fabrics). A common pH strip product is EMD ColorpHast pH Test Strips. For a more complete formula, one needs to consider extra parameters such as the concentration of pollutants outside the enclosure and the capacity of other products to sorb pollutants. They can be made of different materials: Consult CCI Note 13/3 Rolled Storage for Textiles for more details. Tiny filaments can cut into many types of materials that are technically softer, including wood and wood-based products (Figure 48), plaster, paints and finishes, other plastics, leather, basketry fibres, soapstone, some ceramics, etc. A change in a products properties over time is caused or influenced by four factors: Because certain deleterious properties of a product may evolve to become significant or insignificant over time, the product may be used in proximity to objects during the time frame when it does not cause significant adverse effects, while avoiding it otherwise. Acrylic sheet is widely used to make custom mounts for the display of museum objects. They can be found in regular hardware stores. Compounds can also transfer from objects to products depending on the nature of the object and this is particularly likely with dirty, acidic or fatty/oily objects. Sometimes, metal sheets are used on their own to build the structure of the display cases. has a pH slightly above 7.0) to protect paper from acidity is appropriate for most works on paper. It may even be good to have fire-resistant containers, although the products used to make them should not be impregnated by flame retardants since not all of the compounds that make up flame retardants are safe for objects and some could cause alterations to objects in a closed environment. Coatings are often applied on wood, metal and concrete surfaces for aesthetic purposes but also to protect the substrates and to block potentially harmful compounds that can be released by wood products. Cushioning and padding materials include foams of different densities, battings, felts and cushioned wraps used to support or pad out objects, or to wrap objects. Over time, it is possible to monitor the quantity of pollutants trapped by the top layer compared to the layers below by observing the colour change or by measuring the pH change. Diagram showing how to assemble the materials and sample to carry out a colourfast dye test. Note that some honeycomb panels are finished with potentially problematic materials such as acidic paper, cardboard or wood veneer. Polyester quilt batting is wrapped over a polyethylene carved foam shape to provide a soft-padded surface for an internal shoe mount. In this context, as opposed to products, an object is an item that is collected by museums, archives or private individuals, because the item is judged by society, or some of its members, to be of historical, artistic, social or scientific importance. Avoiding all transfer of compounds from a product to the object is important. In closed-cell foams, each cell is completely enclosed by a thin wall of plastic; in open-cell foams, the individual cells are interconnected. by sewing). They may be used when assembling airtight display cases and containers. If the colour has transferred, the fabric should be washed once or twice, allowed to dry, and retested. A swordfish bill before treatment at CCI. No damages have been reported. There are some exceptions to this rule: uncoated oak and cedar are affected by hydrolysis and release high amounts of organic acid vapours well into the stable phase. Consult also Plastic boards and panels for details on plastic materials used for display purposes. The characteristics of polymers can be modified by additives such as fillers, plasticizers, antioxidants and colourants. Unless the tape adhesive is part of the artists intent, all tape on objects that can be safely removed from objects should be done sooner rather than later. CCI has been involved in the revision of these files. However, it is not recommended they be in contact with an object over the long term due to concerns over the release of chloride. The coloured fabric, paper or matboard undergoing the test can be used if no colour transfer is observed on the wet absorbent material above (blotting paper or cotton cloth). 1030 Innes Road
Many plastics are far from perfect for museum and archival use. Determine the products physical properties that are useful for its function or can have an impact on the object (e.g. CCI 124840-0001
Foam thickness is a primary consideration for effective padding and cushioning. Cases and glazed frames can be further secured against theft or vandalism by the application of a security film that makes it difficult to smash and break through the glazing. CCI 99948-0010
CCI 120078-0223. Common silicone sealants are often of the acetoxy type. These rubbers can stain other objects through contact or by off-gassing in enclosures. can be done cold by hand. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. If the colour still transfers, it should not be used in the vicinity of museum objects. In order to evaluate potential risks to objects from specific products, various information about the products should be consulted and assessed, as discussed below. These acid-free papers will slowly become acidic, depending upon air quality and the acidity of the objects they touch. Closed-cell foams can be a good option where less pressure will be applied and a good vapour barrier is needed; however, note that they tend to lose their cushioning ability if submitted to constant pressure or impacts (shock). Custom-making a box from corrugated (or fluted) plastic sheets allows for the box to be tailor fitted to the objects size and needs and also makes it possible for the box to be fully opened flat to allow easy retrieval of fragile objects (Figure 21). Papers made from chemically processed wood are neutral or slightly alkaline because the lignin is removed. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. There are two typical phases in a products life cycle: a formation phase characterized by high emissions, followed by a stable phase. Significant amounts of volatile acid compounds emitted from a product or present in an enclosure or a room can potentially cause damage, such as corrosion of metals or acidification of papers. Some types of glass panels (e.g. Extruded plank polystyrene foam, such as Stylite and Styrofoam, has a uniform closed-cell structure, a smooth continuous skin and consistent product qualities. In particular, it is an excellent barrier film against water vapour (Ttreault 2003 Appendix 5), which explains its extensive use in the food industry to keep foods moist. High-density PE (HDPE) tends to have a greater lifetime than low-density PE (LDPE). ISO Standard 18902:2007 for framing materials recommends a UVfilter of at least 97% in the UV range of 300 to 380 nm. Ttreault, J. The risk is high in small enclosures if the product is a freshly applied solvent-based product (e.g. They are commonly used in conservation as flat bases or platforms or to make backing boards, folders, trays (Figure 9) and boxes. Note that transparent glazing materials for display cases and framing are discussed in their own section, Glazing and glazing films. Different types of coatings for different substrates and purposes are summarized below: For more information on coatings, consult Sustainable Use of Coatings in Museums and Archives Some Critical Observations (Ttreault 2011). They are typically less stable than regular plastic due to their modification to be vulnerable to microorganisms. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. CCI 124883-0021
Ttreault, J. ICCROM
For information on UV filters, consult CCI Note 2/1 Ultraviolet Filters. In between, the risk of damage will vary between low and high. The laminate in this case is a kraft paper impregnated with phenol formaldehyde of high or medium density. This foam is used in the same types of applications as those for polyethylene foam sheeting; for example, it is often used as a soft lining on storage shelves. CCI 120279-0005Figure 6. Examples of small clear boxes made of polystyrene plastic. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. The different physical parameters of the enclosure will have an influence on the concentration of pollutants generated by a product used within it. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Conservation Institute, 2010. In storage, it is not uncommon to find examples of old misguided practices; for example, labels that were applied directly onto objects now becoming completely dissociated (unglued). Figure 31. Example of a store-made laminated paperboard box with reinforced metal edges. Both densities are recyclable and are often used to cover objects or shelving against dust or potential water leakage from the ceiling or pipes. Some special polypropylene films have a reduced-glare finish for increased visibility of documents. Lead, copper alloys and paper are commonly known to be among the most susceptible types of objects to acidic vapours and thus, if possible, should not be exposed to emissions from wood and wood products, especially within enclosure settings where the emissions can accumulate. Figures 10a and 10b. They are first placed in archival quality paper sleeves, then inserted into a paper envelope and stored in a box. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. These containers are supplied in a range of colours, or they can be slightly opaque. Papers used to store photographic documents should also pass the photographic activity test (ISO Standard 14523:1999). They can also be used crumbled up to pad out three-dimensional shapes (Figure 36). Composite panels are typically lightweight and usually quite rigid. These papers are not recommended for long-term contact with objects sensitive to acid. Unfortunately, this type of silicone releases a substantial amount of acetic acid during curing (easily recognized by its vinegar smell) and should not be used inside enclosures. They can be used for flat mounts or for backing boards used in framing, as well as flat supports for paintings and textiles. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. His main research interests focus on pollutants, products used for display and storage, paper degradation and passive environmental controls in collections. Alternatives to adhesives used for assembling storage and display fittings include mechanical fasteners such as nails, screws and hook-and-loop fasteners, such as Velcro, TouchTape, Aplix and Dura-Grip. Even regular (unbaked) alkyd paint, which has higher emissions, can be used if the surface to be painted is very small compared to the dimensions of the room (emissions will become quickly diluted). Ottawa ON K1B 4S7
Figure 30. Both types are shown in Figure 28. seashell, egg shell, coral, pearl, limestone): efflorescence, Ceramic and limestone contaminated by nitrate and chloride compounds (e.g. ACRYLITE OP2 or OP3, LuciteLux Museum Grade and Tru Vue). You will not receive a reply. CAMEO contains information on historical and current products used in preserving and producing artistic, architectural and archaeological materials. Their periodic maintenance is required. Degraded ester-type foam has been found to release adipic acid, which causes metal corrosion. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) are the most suitable plastic sheets for general purposes, offering a clear and very stable sheet. An extended list of wood species with their respective pH values and how it can be measured can be found in CCI Technical Bulletin 21 Coatings for Display and Storage in Museums(Ttreault1999). Keep the enclosure at least 10 cm (4 in.) The materials should also remain springy or elastic if the gasket is joining an area that is occasionally opened and closed, so that they may rebound and fill up new gaps even after having been compressed. Mount-making for Museum Objects. This is usually a concern mainly for objects sensitive to carbonyls or sulfur compounds. Sustainable Use of Coatings in Museums and Archives Some Critical Observations. e-Preservation Science 8 (2011). White residues that may leach out of some fabrics, such as gelatin or other finishing compounds, cannot be observed easily on a white absorbent material (blotting paper or cotton cloth). Display cases covering large surfaces are usually made of glass because glass does not flex or bow out as much as clear plastic glazing. Their core being plywood panels, these products can be cut and assembled easily and are quite sturdy. They take months or a few years to degrade when buried in an anaerobic landfill. Safe use of products depends not only on their stability, but also on the context and way in which they areused. However, before choosing your materials, a proper risk assessment needs to be made. A structure or covering that completely surrounds and encloses a limited volume of space and in which one or several museum objects may be contained. The film, known by the brand name EVAL, provides a good oxygen barrier and is highly transparent. When selecting a gasket for use in preventive conservation, choose stable, non-emissive products such as: To create airtight storage cabinets or display cases, the gasket chosen should be able to maintain its initial properties, such as compressibility, for 10 years or more. addition of UV stabilizers). Polyester fibrefill consists of the same type of polyester fibres with no additives, loosely clumped together in a large ball (as compared to the flat two-dimensional structure of the batting). Bubble wraps are recommended mainly for wrapping fragile or lightweight objects for short periods of time because the cells tend to rupture and deflate with time. Journal of the International Institute for Conservation-Canadian Group 17 (1992) pp. Further tests for detecting harmful compounds in products used in preventive conservation can be found in the following publications: To determine the presence of sulfur. Some polycarbonates are slightly less crystal clear than acrylic. Melinex film-encapsulated leaves from the Catharine Parr Traill scrapbook. Sorbents may help to reduce levels if the rate of emission is not too high. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. migrating from the product to the objects surface at the point of contact, Whitish or pale-coloured objects, porous objects: stain is more visible and disfiguring, Compounds from degraded polyurethane foam, Unsealed or poorly sealed wood products (knots can stain even more), Some dyed fabrics, paper and matboards (non-colourfast dyes may run if exposed to water or high RH), Oil stain, leaving an appearance of a wet or a dark spot, Porous objects: stain will penetrate and be more difficult to remove, Silicone oil from some silicone foams, gaskets, tubes and sticky waxes or gels (such as museum gel), Lubricants from a mechanical system of drawers, doors on cabinets or any other enclosure, Objects surface physically damaged (delamination, losses) when object and product stuck to it are handled and incautiously unstuck, Object disfigured because product residues remain stuck on surface, Objects with a bonded (laminated, layered, painted, coated, adhered) or fragile surface are more at risk, especially if bond is weak, Glycols from opened paints after a few weeks or from opened coloured or dark paints after many months, Degraded flexible PVC (including synthetic leather [leatherette]), Leaching of compounds from objects surface due to exudate on products surface, Photographic transparencies: losses in dyes and image, Viscous plasticizer exudate on degraded flexible PVC, Corrosion products from copper staining the label glued on it, Salt contamination and efflorescence (damage is highly influenced by high RH), Various porous objects (such as brick and marble): spalling and losses to surfaces, disfigurement, Salts present in contaminated products (e.g. the more reactive or less noble metal. Ideally, the profile (shape) of the gasket should be rather standard, so that it can be easily replaced in the future. During the formation phase, liquid products, such as solvent- or water-based paints and adhesives, can generate significant amounts of volatile compounds when they are being applied and while still fresh. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. They are less readily available in local hardware stores and tend to be expensive. Liquid samples, such as paint and adhesives, should be dried on aluminium foil for at least a week; solid samples, such as a gasket, need no preparation. Tubing made of flexible PVC, vulcanized rubber or any rubber containing sulfur compounds should not be used.