Oddy tests of unbleached cotton calico

Valerie Tomlinson <vtomlinson<-at->aucklandmuseum<.>com>

>I have recently done a series of Oddy tests on a variety of proposed
>display materials.  While at it, we decided to test the unbleached
>cotton sheeting we use for storage covers and mounts.  Of all the
>tested fabrics, this one came out with the worst results, with some
>white fuzziness on the lead coupon, and a slightly darker colour to
>the copper coupon.  Unbleached cotton is used in museums around the
>world for storage, so this surprised us.  Has anyone else Oddy
>tested their unbleached cotton?  ...

I assume this unbleached cotton was washed thoroughly and dried
first to remove any chemicals?  It is my understanding that all
fabrics come with sizing and sometimes other treatments like flame
retardants.  If it was washed first, it is an interesting and
disturbing result.

Linda Roundhill
Art and Antiquities Conservation, LLC
Woodinville WA
425-481-0720


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 30:4
                   Distributed: Sunday, June 12, 2016
                        Message Id: cdl-30-4-001
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