Preservation of rubber figures

Gyllian Porteous <14gcp<-at->queensu<.>ca>

>I am looking for information regarding the preservation of balata or
>gutta-percha figurines.  It is my understanding that periodic (every
>3 months) wetting of the figures is recommended for slowing the
>oxidative degradation of the rubber?  Does anyone have experience
>applying this preservation strategy and if so, are there any
>specific recommendations, such as type of water and length of
>immersion?  Does anyone know of another method, perhaps a less
>labour intensive one, for the preservation of rubber figurines?

If the concern is oxidative degradation, sequestering the object(s)
in an anoxic environment might be a simple solution.  This is a
commonly used technique: in its simplest form, you need only a
sealed plastic bag and a few sachets of an appropriate oxygen
absorber.  More information on anoxic storage is readily available
on the net.

On a personal note, I have found that the repeated periodic
immersion of a collection of miniature figurines (representing
chimerical renditions of various Anatidae species) in a generous
(>175 liter) bath of warm (> 45 deg. C) water containing an anionic
surfactant seems to do them no harm, and is not a labour intensive
process.  Deionized or "softened" water will provide best results,
and care should be taken to maintain a steady temperature.  This is
not only an efficacious method for removing built up oils and other
residues, but given low intensity illumination, can be quite
relaxing as well.  An immersion time of at least 30 minutes to an
hour is suggested.

Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Microclimate Systems


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 30:6
                  Distributed: Saturday, June 25, 2016
                        Message Id: cdl-30-6-001
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