PH7-70 Tape

UK Industrial Tapes Ltd is now marketing in the USA their "PH7-70
Conservation/Archival Tape", a pressure sensitive paper tape claimed
to be water-removable.  My experience has been that such tapes are
not acceptable for direct-contact conservation uses, due to problems
associated with removal of adhesive residue.  I am skeptical, and
would appreciate having the benefit of your experience and opinion
about this product.

Published description:  "PH7-70 is a white self adhesive single
sided acid free (ph7 neutral) adhesive paper tape.  It has very high
initial grab, which is excellent for fixing a wide variety of art.
This has not been achieved by any other archival tape to date...This
adhesive system has been used in libraries and other Conservation
and Archival applications throughout the UK for the last six years
with excellent results."

    "Advantages and Benefits:

        *   Acid Free Paper

            PH7-70 is acid free 70gsm base paper coated with acrylic
            adhesive (ph7 neutral)

        *   High Initial Grab Adhesive

            PH7-70 has excellent high initial grab. This helps when
            applying to uneven or slightly dusty surfaces.

        *   Self Wound

            PH7-70 is self wound making it much easier to apply (no
            backing paper to remove).

        *   Ageing and Compliance

            PH7-70 has excellent ageing and temperature resistance
            and complies fully with UK packaging waste regulations."

Published literature further describes the adhesive: "...water based
acrylic adhesive system, which is non-aging and will not turn
yellow.... Ideal for hinging prints to mounts...reversible with
water from stable surfaces."

Similar attributes are claimed for the company's "Self Adhesive
Hinging Tissue Tape" ('fingerlifted'), "Self Adhesive Linen Tape",
and gummed tapes on similar substrates.

What are your thoughts?

James Miller
ARTFRAME, Inc.
1218 Hill Road N.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
614-868-5554
Fax: 614-868-0440


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:58
                   Distributed: Tuesday, May 1, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-58-008
                                  ***