Removing adhesive from leather

Nancy R. Robertson <nrrobert [at] libofmich__lib__mi__us> writes

>... I am writing to solicit advice regarding a recent mishap with a
>fine leather binding. Foil backed labels were mistakenly applied to
>the spines of a two volume set, and although the mistake was
>discovered relatively promptly and the labels were carefully peeled
>off, some sticky residue remains on the spines. What would anyone
>suggest as a safe method for removing the residue, and/or should I
>just leave the residue on the leather?

Nancy Robertson inquired about what to do about removing adhesive
residue from leather book spines.  Since she did not mention what
the adhesive is composed of (one could assume it is an acrylic
resin), it is difficult to suggest a remedy.  Given that it is
relatively fresh, it will probably come off easily.  I would
strongly suggest that the volumes be given to a professional book
conservator to examine and propose a treatment.  Using a solvent
might remove the dye from the leather, so it is best to get an
experienced opinion from a first-hand observation of the problem.

Paul S. Storch
Objects Conservator
John and Martha Daniels Objects Conservation Laboratory (JMD-OCL)
B-109.1, Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd West
St. Paul, MN  55102-1906
612-297-5774
Fax: 612-297-2967

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:4
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 18, 1998
                        Message Id: cdl-12-4-018
                                  ***