Storing adhesive labels

We are currently working on architectural drawings on tracing paper
from the 1960's, many hundreds of which contain plastic
self-adhesive labels. The labels contain information regarding the
architectural practice and project details and are therefore
integral to the objects and must be retained. Positioned in the
lower right-hand corner of the support, they measure approximately
5cm x 25cm. They are showing signs of degradation, with leeching of
the adhesive through the carrier film and from the edges. We are
able to remove the leeched adhesive with solvents, yet we are unsure
if the labels will continue to leech over time.

These drawings must be stored rolled in small batches due to
restricted storage space. We need to create an acceptable method of
storage which will prevent adhesive transfer between objects if
leeching continues, as well as ensuring accessibility by the public.

We are considering the use of silicon release paper and
silicon-coated polyester film (as available from Preservation
Equipment Ltd, UK). Our testing has shown these materials to be
ideal as interleaving layers, yet we have no information as to their
long-term archival properties.

Our concerns are as follows: Is silicon-coated material suitable for
long-term storage? Has anyone worked on similar material, and if so,
what are their long-term storage solutions?

We are considering making silicon-coated polyester film patches to
be positioned over the adhesive labels. We would be grateful for any
comments or suggestions on this matter.

Vicki Hanley and Kate Kidd
Paper Conservators, Sir Basil Spence Archive Project
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical
Monuments of Scotland
John Sinclair House
16 Bernard Terrace
Edinburgh
EH8 9NX
+44 131 662 1456
Fax: +44 131 662 1477


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:3
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 23, 2005
                        Message Id: cdl-19-3-017
                                  ***