3 REMOVAL OF THE FILMOPLAST-P TAPE

Mock-ups were evaluated to determine the most successful conservation technique for the removal of the Filmoplast-P tape. The following procedure proved successful for removing the tape without damage to the emulsion layer of the photograph.

Distilled water was applied to the paper carrier using a wet but not saturated Series 7 Winsor and Newton #00 watercolor brush. The paper carrier was allowed to turn a milky-white color as it absorbed the water. If the carrier did not turn milky in color, a second application of the distilled water was applied. The paper carrier was then peeled back at the edge in one continuous strip using tweezers to keep the surface angle of the carrier very low at the point of separation from the emulsion. The adhesive layer remained. Again, distilled water was applied this time to the adhesive layer with a wet but not saturated brush. The adhesive layer was allowed to swell slightly and turn milky-white in color and was lifted with tweezers in one stretchy layer. The air-dried paper carrier and adhesive components were closely examined. The paper carrier appeared distinctly yellow in color while the adhesive layer was pale yellow. The emulsion of these photographs exhibited no damage from the tape. They will be checked annually and changes will be noted.