Velcro?

[THATGUY]

I just got a Cherry case from Medals of America.

http://www.medalsofamerica.com/Item--i-C10-STYLE

It came with a velcro mounting system, but Im not sure if its safe to put the sticky back side of velcro on medals, bags, or ribbons. Well, any collectable for that matter. Is this a conservation sin to use velcro? I'm just starting to put my collection on display so Im very unsure on all of this. Thank you!

Sam

[Paul R.]

I just got a Cherry case from Medals of America.

http://www.medalsofamerica.com/Item--i-C10-STYLE

It came with a velcro mounting system, but Im not sure if its safe to put the sticky back side of velcro on medals, bags, or ribbons. Well, any collectable for that matter. Is this a conservation sin to use velcro? I'm just starting to put my collection on display so Im very unsure on all of this. Thank you!

Sam

The actual Velcro material itself is safe the glue is not. I'm not sure why company would want to use Velcro with a glued backing and think that a good idea.

In time the glue itself will transfer to the paper of fabric backing creating a huge mess and it will never come off 100%

I would also be concerned with the case materials as well. If the company will go as far to use glued Velcro strips who knows what that frame is made of?
You may want to conduct a WAF site search for idea's and companies that make archival cases for displays. Not to endorse a WAF member, but one members seams to make some great wood cases. I personaly never bought one of his frames however they look great JMHO
Just from a conservator’s point of view

[SMFlagg]

Absolutely, the glue will ruin your pieces and my concern, like Paul, is exactly what else is hidden in these cases that could potentially damage your collection through off-gassing.

Steve

[THATGUY]

I got rid of the velcro before it could do any damage and instead sewed the medal on and used archival safe tape to put the ribbon on. It looks even better now, and hopefully its safer. I did look into the cases and mounting boards. I'm not sure if the type of wood used will affect the stuff inside, but I did learn to use a archival quality hardboard base with a pre-washed 100%cotton fabric over that. I also read I could use archival muslin as well. Also, I think I could use fleece over that so some sort of velcro system could be in place (without the glue affecting the items) or just so there can be some sort of color instead of white. Sound good to you guys?

[SMFlagg]

My other hobby is in fact woodworking, and as far as wood choices, so long as you have something domestic and it is dried, the wood choice will not be an issue. It's when you start to venture into the exotic, rainforest woods that things may change. As far as the finish on the wood, this is where things get tricky. Chosing an oil finish would entail waiting for it to fully cure, and for that you'd need some good lab equipment to detect even trace amounts of off-gasses and a significant amount of time. A safer finish would be shellac, and so long as alcohol does not dissolve it, there will be no issue with off gassing once dry.

I was actually going to recommend sewing, but having read medals, I imagined badges with no way to sew on some velcro. So good call, and so long as the ribbons are not fragile at all and the sewing is tight and secure, I can't imagine the stress would be too great.

Steve

[Paul R.]

I would suggest using a good poly varnish, or epoxy sealant to lock in any weeping of wood, and hold off out gassing. Put at least 2 layers on and yes let fully dry in between coats. I would stay away from pines and black walnut due inpart from the tanic acids and heavy pitch. For out gas traces there are small cards that are used to place in frames and cabinets to detect out gassing, but they are not cheap to buy and many times outside environments sometimes do affect them.

[SMFlagg]

An epoxy sealant is a great recommendation, did not consider that. I, personally, would stay away from anything urethane based, as it will take months to cure fully. Easy test? Put your nose right on it and smell. Smell at all like the finish that was applied? Not fully cured.

Steve

[THATGUY]

Thanks alot guys, your advice has been great. I'm looking to buy a EKII with ribbon and bag so I'll use all this on my next display. Thanks again!

Sam