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=Archival Materials Project= A resource for archival supplies (in the GTA)

Mylar: Clear Polyester Film that is used for encapsulation. It is "a simple and safe conservation technique designed to protect fragile paper documents from mechanical damage and dust. It is best reserved for single sheet documents which receive frequent handling. Encapsulation also facilitates the display of unmounted weak papers and ensures protection from acidic, low-grade storage materials. The procedure involves sandwiching a paper artifact between two sheets of clear polyester film. The paper is held in place electrostatically and the two sheets of film are held together with double-sided clear encapsulation tape. Encapsulation is not a substitute for a complete conservation treatment. Old, brittle paper will continue to deteriorate on a molecular level despite encapsulation. In addition, this procedure will not screen out ultraviolet radiation or visible light. Available in 40 inch wide x 50-100 foot rolls. Film thickness varies from .001 to .005 mil. The most useful gauge ranges from .003 mil thickness; while large, heavyweight paper usually requires a .005 mil film. A good compromise is .004 mil polyester film."[1] For example: See University Products' How-to Tips for encapsulation: http://www.universityproducts.com/resources.php?m=how_to_detail&id=12 [2]

3M #45 Tape: double sided tape used for encapsulation, "sold in 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch by 36 yard rolls. For all but the largest items, the 1/4 inch format is sufficient."[3]

Cotton Twill Tape: Sturdy web cotton tape used for sewing signatures together on the sewing frame, for tying, making storage mounts, labeling textiles, for packing, shipping and for a host of other installation needs.

Acid Free Tissue Paper: Used for wrapping or interleaving between documents and artifacts to be stored, protects from abrasion and contact with low-grade storage containers.

Folder Stock: Comes in several thicknesses in order to customize folders and storage containers such as 4-flap folders.

Wrapping Paper: For wrapping documents and artifacts for storage and for shipping, medium weight.

Archival Board: corrugated or thick board used for mounting and constructing customized storage. For example: See University Products' How-to Tips for constructing a book mount from corrugated boards: http://www.universityproducts.com/resources.php?m=how_to_detail&id=16 [4]

Ethafoam: "Ethafoam products are extruded polyethylene foam and can be described as tough, closed cell materials which are energy-absorbent, resilient, lightweight, moisture and chemical resistant. usable over wide temperature ranges and easy to fabricate. As such they are ideally suited for a wide variety of protective packaging applications. It can be carved to fit gaps or routed to create nests for packing and storing. Trace outline of object and handcut the form out leaving a notch for easy artifact removal. If the foam is not thick enough, build it up in successive layers. Line with acid-free tissue to avoid abrasion. Can be used as a drawer liner for delicate artifacts. Absorbs energy but no water."[5]

[1] Preservation of Archival Materials Course Notes, George Brown College, Spring 2012. 41A [2] University Products, //How-to Tips: Encapsulation  [3] Preservation of Archival Materials Course Notes, George Brown College, Spring 2012. 41A [4] University Products, //How-to Tips: Corrugated Book Mounts  [5] Carr McLean, //Ethafoam 