Glue sticks

Here is some more information on glue sticks.

CCI analyzed three types of glue sticks in 1982 and determined that
all were composed of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and had a pH of 9.
This pH should not be a problem for gluing "new" paper, however,
alkaline sensitive items would be problematic.  Although no thorough
CCI testing on glue sticks has been carried out, labels glued 10
years ago using a glue stick peel extremely easily today.  Also,
photographs glued at the same time lost their gloss in areas where
the adhesive was on the reverse.  These observations lead us to
believe that glue sticks should be viewed as a temporary gluing
solution and not a permanent one. Hope this is helpful,

Jane Down
Senior Conservation Scientist
Canadian Conservation Institute
613-998-3721
Fax: 613-998-4721

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:16
                 Distributed: Wednesday, August 7, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-16-008
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