Rubber printing plates

Normandy Helmer <nhelmer [at] darkwing__uoregon__edu> writes

>... Among the objects are half a dozen plates that were
>used to print up labels. They are black, rubbery, have a fiber inner
>core and look very much like pieces of old tires. They also smell
>like tires. ...

You might consider storing the rubber(?) printing plates in an
oxygen-free atmosphere. This would likely slow down the chemical
changes. A barrier film bag and some moisture neutral oxygen
scavenger (eg RP K type) would be an easy solution. RP scavenger
will also absorb a number of corrosive gases. I presume you are
storing metal printing plates as well. If you do choose to store
them in oxygen-free envelopes, you could use a combination oxygen
and moisture scavenger (eg RP Type A). More information on these
products is available on our web site: <URL:http://www.keepsafe.ca>

Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Systems
Supplies and Solutions for Microclimate and Oxygen-free storage
800-683-4696  local phone: 416-703-4696 Fax: (416)
703-5991
Object and Textile Conservation Services Ltd.



                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:65
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 26, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-65-010
                                  ***