Conservation Resources

By William K. Hollinger, Jr. and Mark G. Vine, as published in Restaurator

This article discusses the origin of archival boards and goes into detail about the dramatically greater efficacy of the latest technology in the field, our MicroChamber papers and boards. With detail regarding MicroChamber paper structure and graphs showing test results after accelerated aging and exposure to oxidative gasses (hydrogen peroxide), the article concisely explains MicroChamber technology and demonstrates its significant superiority to the standard lignin- free, buffered boards widely offered within the archival products industry.

Active Archival Housings

By Seigfried Rempel, photographic conservation scientist and author of The Care of Photographs

Mr. Rempel lays out a wealth of information on the use of molecular traps- or zeolites- in the preventative conservation of photographic material. While the focus is more on photographic material, there is a short discussion regarding paper artifacts including comic books, newspaper, and alkaline book papers. Rempel discusses the harmful pollutant gasses which collections are exposed to daily and provides concise charts and graphs demonstrating his findings.  He also includes a series of “before and after” photographs of various items- color prints, black and white film negatives, animation cels, and fine art lithographic prints- which provide dramatic visual evidence of the remarkable protection provided by the use of zeolites in archival papers and boards such as Conservation Resources’ MicroChamber products and Neilsen & Bainbridge’s ArtCare museum framing materials. Images included compare the results, after testing, of these items protected with both traditional lignin- free, buffered and non-buffered archival papers and boards in comparison to those protected by MicroChamber materials.  A bibliography references additional publications and research materials one can follow for even more information.

Zeolite Molecular Traps and Their Use in Preventative Conservation

The Mechanisms and Causes of Paper Deterioration is a discussion of the chemical structure of paper and how this breaks down as it ages, this article also delves into issues such as pH, the effects of light, acid deterioration, the use of alkaline buffers and molecular traps (zeolites), and finishes with a brief history of archival papers in the United States and a look at preventative conservation options. It also details the specifications for our archival papers and boards. This article, with additional information included to reflect new innovations and theories of archival practices, has been in the front of every catalog we have published since 1979 and has been used repeatedly in first- semester library and conservation science courses at leading universities in the United States. 

The following websites offer current “best practices” for preserving various items.

National Park Service

Northeast Document Conservation Center

U.S. National Archives

Canadian Institute for Conservation

Library of Congress

If you have an item that is in need of professional conservation treatment, there are a variety of options. The umbrella professional organization for conservators in the United States is known as AIC (American Institute for Conservation). They can help you find a local conservator, many of whom have private practices. There are several regional facilities which are well-respected and are happy to assist individuals as well as organizations without staff resources to treat their collections. These include the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Andover, MA, the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia, and the Conservation Center in Chicago, as well as others throughout the United States. If you are in Canada, we suggest contacting the conservation department at the Canadian Conservation Institute for suggestions.

By Stephen Koob, Chief Conservator, Corning Museum of Glass

From the article: ABSTRACT Paraloid B-72 is well known as one of the most stable acrylic resins used in conservation and is very effective as a consolidant and adhesive for ceramics and glass. Many methods are useful for its application as a consolidant, including brushing, spraying, soaking or capillary action (known in the US as ‘wicking up’). B-72 is also an excellent adhesive for assembling a broad range of ceramics and glass objects, from archaeological fragments to complete vessels, to high-fired stoneware and porcelain. The moderate strength of the adhesive is much more suitable than a stronger adhesive, such as an epoxy. The proper preparation of the adhesive and application from a tube are key factors to its successful use. Complicated reconstructions, involving over 100 fragments can be easily and accurately accomplished. B-72’s easy reversibility also allows for simple and fast clean-up of excess adhesive, using acetone. 

Paraloid B72: 25 years of use as a consolidant and adhesive for ceramics and glass