Christa -

The adhesives used in museums and archives are used specifically and are not interchangeable. It really depends on what you have to adhere and the conditions of storage / exhibit and/or use.

Acryloid B-72 is a methacrylate co-polymer commonly used to mend ceramics but it would not be a good choice for glass. Most commonly Acryloid B-72 is used in object labeling systems in museums. Rhoplex is an acrylic emulsion-based adhesive, sometimes with a high ph, that is used to mend or adhere fabric and paper or leather. There are several formulations under the Rhoplex name with different properties - some are heat setting. Even though Rhoplex can be used on paper-based materials it may not be the best choice for documents and prints as there are more reversible and neutral adhesives.

Do not just throw any adhesive at a situation without knowing what is best for the object or document.  I can't begin to tell you how much fun it is for a conservator to deal with old adhesives - they often create damages the object wouldn't have had and can double or triple the hours in a conservation treatment.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Senior Conservator and Museum Consultant
Los Angeles CA


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:12 AM, Christa McCay <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Good Monday morning to all,

I recently posted on the RCAAM listserv about what adhesive does your museum use.  I currently use Acryloid B-72 and I am thinking about switching to Rhoplex.  I am hoping to get a few more opinions from this listserv.

Thanks in advance,


Christa McCay, M.H.P.
Registrar
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Ste. 200
Marietta, GA 30060
770-794-5726

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