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**Richard** · 10-21-2006, 08:10 AM

M. there are several vendors that offer archival museum quality products that could be used to repair and prevent further damage to documents. There is a clear archival tape that can be used on the back of the document along the fold that is acid free and isn't very visable once applied. I've used it to repair tears in many of the periodicals that I have in my collection. Documents are sometimes a bit tougher if the paper is a rough texture. The tape works best on smooth surfaces. If the document is not double sided (blank reverse) then it would be ideal for this type of tape.
Richard V

**I Marotto** · 10-22-2006, 11:41 AM

I have taken a course work in paper conservation. What has been said is true regarding Archival tape but... the deterioration process has already started on the document so before applying any mending tapes you need to halt the deterioration process as you will still have the same problem regarding the paper unless addressed. Regardless if the paper is brittle or not this can be achieved by using a Deacidification Spray/Alkaline buffer. This will not reverse the damage or the fragility of the paper or take yellowing out but will retard it against further deterioration due to acidity in the paper. There are a quite a few on the market but remember you are not dealing with only printed material as a book or newspaper but a document that may contain signatures or stamps that both may contain dyes in the ink and may be water soluble and are considered sensitive inks. So a Deacidification Spray for bound or printed material is not the best way to go. I suggest using a Archival Mist in the pump not aerosol. Spray a light mist to the front and back as you are not going to saturate it but coat it then you can mend it using a bone folder and archival tape don’t use Filmoplast but rather Document Repair Tape by Lineco and apply the tape to the rear and gently rub it with the bone folder and it should be good as gold..

Hope this helps
Ian

**MJC** · 10-22-2006, 04:34 PM

Thank you Richard and Ian. Your responses are very enlightening, but I think I'll need a professional to tackle this job. The NorthEast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) (MA) has a great reputation, but I was hoping there might be a similar institution near DC.

Thanks again,

Mike

**Richard** · 10-23-2006, 05:25 PM

Ian, why do you recommend not using Filmoplast? I was under the impression that libraries used this material extensively for archival repair.
Richard V

**I Marotto** · 10-23-2006, 06:04 PM

Hey Richard
The only problem is that Filmoplast P and P90 are they are not as easy to remove down the road if necessary as the Document Repair tape by Lineco. Although it says it is water soluble in actuality only the paper is and water causes the adhesive to swell with Filmoplast as well as the document paper tends to absord the adhesive. That said the only way to deal with either brand regarding removing the adhesive is with chemicals but it is much easier to do with Lineco's.

Ian

**Richard** · 10-24-2006, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the reply Ian. If I understand correctly then, if you never intend to remove the tape, then Filmoplast would be OK and safe?
Richard V

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