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?  ...

Had you properly washed, and thoroughly rinsed, the unbleached
cotton before hand?  Sizing on new cotton fabric tends to be pretty
intense, so I'm wondering if your results have more to do with the
starches than the cotton.

Rachel Dessaints
Restauratrice de textiles
Centre de conservation du Quebec
Ministere de la Culture et des Communications
1825, rue Semple
Quebec (Quebec) G1N 4B7
418-643-7001 poste 315


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 30:4
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