This reminds me of what I often tell people, "Just because something is archival, doesn't mean it is appropriate." "Archival" has become a catchword in general, with people assuming that because something is "archival," it is safe to use in any museum setting. And, I won't get started on what exactly "archival" means....because it isn't always the same. I started saying this, when I became frustrated arguing with an artist who wanted to design exhibit case interiors for an exhibit and he couldn't understand that even though the fabric was sold as "archival," it wasn't necessarily safe to touch an artifact. In regards to the specific question: Rhoplex is also weaker. We use it for some purposes, and B-72 for others, and even other adhesives for other purposes. The most important thing is to use the appropriate adhesive for the situation. If you don't know what that might be, check! Don't just grab a bottle of something from your workroom and use it on an artifact. Not every product is appropriate for every material and/or situation. It is also equally important to note what is used on objects and when. Quite often, products deteriorate after decades and it is so much easier to deal with when we know what product was used on an artifact. When we can look in the file and see that "X" was used in 1991-we know where to start. Some Rhoplex can be quite acidic. While it is often used on paper, I never do. There are other adhesives that are more easily reversible. If you have specific questions about specific situations, there are several excellent conservators on this listserve who might be able to point you in the right direction. All the best, Lisa Lisa Shockley, Curatorial Specialist, 3-D Collections Union Station/Kansas City Museum 30 W. Pershing Road Kansas City, MO 64108 816-460-2055 "Where there is Peace; there is Culture; Where there is Culture; there is Peace." Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947 From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Harvey Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 10:48 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: What adhesive do you use? 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]<mailto:[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. 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