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    #1

    Styrofoam Display Torsos.

    I have a number of styrofoam/polystyrene display torsos which I use for uniforms and so far I have not had any problems, however I'd be interested to know the general opinion on their long term use.

    I know off-gassing can be a problem with these and I always have a fitted cotton barrier between the torso and the uniform, but is this enough?.

    Thanks in advance for any thoughts or opinions on the subject.

    Matt.
    Tags: None
    #2
    I would think the outgassing will pass through the cotton and reach the uniform. The styrofoam would need to be sealed with an inert coating. I haven't researched what might work, but I do know many paints and coatings will cause the styrofoam to shrink and/or dissolve.
    Erich
    Festina lente!

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      #3
      Originally posted by Erich B. View Post
      I haven't researched what might work, but I do know many paints and coatings will cause the styrofoam to shrink and/or dissolve.
      Erich
      Laquer based paints will cause this. Water based paints will not.
      Ralph.

      Comment

        #4
        I've had good luck with the foam busts by covering these in plastic wrap first. That can seal the off gassing from what I've been able to determine. Then I use a couple of cotton shirts over the plastic. This way the tunic or uniform actually sits just on the shirts.

        I also have opted to use home made displays. I use wood and acid-free batting for quilts and blankets. Basically I make a rough shape of a bust and put the tunic over this. It is looser fitting but it also puts far less pressure on the seams.

        If using a hat or helmet I use an acid-free cardboard tube and cover it with black nylons. The result isn't too bad.

        Comment

          #5
          Thanks to all who have replied so far. I have another two torsos coming next week so I'll post an update then.

          I'd rather use the styrofoam busts as they can be cut down and shaped to allow a better fit, they can also be padded out using the acid free batting Peter mentions.

          Matt.

          Comment

            #6
            I should add that the key is to INSPECT the displays on a regular basis! Don't just assume all is well. I feel the fabric from time to time, I unbutton the tunics to see underneath, etc.

            Good luck.

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              #7
              OK, outgassing is a process which we all know happens with Styrofoam and similar materials, but do we know for how long it will outgass?

              I have some very old torsos, bought from another collector and after 10 years I am not sure about which level of outgassing we're talking here.

              So, how long it takes for Styrofoam to stabilize and become (near) inert?

              Comment

                #8
                The materials used in Polystirene have changed over time:

                Styrene, the primary raw material used in the production of extruded or expanded polystyrene, is a petrochemical that has been the subject of dozens of studies since plastics were developed. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a Hazard Summary in 1992 and updated it in 2000 after the production of Styrofoam was reformulated with materials to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) chemicals.

                Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7228602_haz...#ixzz2rY1G5ZOj

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                  #9
                  I think the foam still breaks down over time. It isn't just the offgasing but the fact that the foam is also breaking down that remains a problem. I don't know if reaches a point like say carbon fiber where it will take centuries to see any changes.

                  My understanding is foam will harden but it can continue to break down due to heat and reaction to other chemicals. So the uniform, which essentially becomes more fragile over time, could react with the foam even years later.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    I agree. Some protection is necessary, between the uniform/hat and the Styrofoam. I use cotton shirts, but I would also like to try some color to close the Styrofoam structure and make it inert to the uniforms.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      The blowing agent used for expanding polystyrene is usually a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, although that is changing.
                      http://www2.dupont.com/Formacel/en_U...r_FEA-1100.pdf

                      If there is any outgassing, this is what is outgassing, not the styrene. I would really like to see a study about outgassing over time. Manufacturers claim that in usual home temperatures outgassing barely happens, but that "barely" is still enough to damage our pieces, I am sure, over the years.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        I know there are some really experienced conservators amongst us, so I have a question.

                        Le's put it like this. I have bought a second-hand torsos, 10 of them, each more than 10 years old.
                        Some of them are Styrofoam, some are yellowish Polyurethane ones.

                        As out gassing occurs with both of these materials, I wander how much gas there is still inside after 10 years and if the torsos are still potentially harmful to my collection.

                        I guess that level of out-gassing is greatly reduced over time. What do you guys think??

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Interesting subject. There must be (older) collectors among us who have used these kind of bustes for more than 40 years? What is your reaction to this? I use bustes myself and the are made of the yellow polyurethane (very hard). De bustes are covered with fabric (i think with cotton that came with the bust). After about 10 years of using these i don't see any damage what so ever.

                          And what would be more harmfull? Hanging your tunics with a normal clothes hanger or using a buste? I think a buste supports a tunic way better (less stress to the tunic) and is better than hanging your tunics in your closet. Ok, maby a bit more risk concerning the gassing, but overall still the better choise i gues.

                          Jac

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by The Jackal View Post
                            Interesting subject. There must be (older) collectors among us who have used these kind of bustes for more than 40 years? What is your reaction to this? I use bustes myself and the are made of the yellow polyurethane (very hard). De bustes are covered with fabric (i think with cotton that came with the bust). After about 10 years of using these i don't see any damage what so ever.
                            There is a danger that there can be a reaction, but it is probably based on temperature, humidity, chemicals or gases in the air. Think of it like cancer - one person may get it and another won't. There is just a "risk" that something can react with the foam and types of fabrics or leathers.

                            Checking on stuff on a regular basis is the best option with any collectible.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Torsos.

                              I use papier maché to cover all the torso. Than i cover it with a shirt.

                              Comment

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