Cross stitch question

[pjraser]

I have a cross stitch needle art that was framed by Leewards in the 80’s. They attached it to a sticky foam product and the piece needs to be cleaned. Does anyone have an idea on how to remove it from the sticky foam backing? Thanks!

 

[wpfay]

The short and probably painful answer is send it to a textile conservator. The adhesive changes over time and will get into the fiber of the fabrics. Part of the removal process would be to extract as much of the adhesive as possible before stretching it to return to the frame.
If that isn't an option, remember that taking on the job also assumes the risk for a successful outcome. Perhaps someone with more experience with textiles will bring you a different perspective.

Some of the processes we used in the 70's and 80's don't hold up well to current standards, and sticky board was one of them.

 

[Ylva]

What Wally said.

I would not even try to do that myself. Can you imagine any loose threads on the back, that you might pull while taking it off something so sticky? I would not want to create such a problem for myself.
Textile conservator for sure. Or if customer wants to try it themselves, well, it is their decision.
Why does it need to be cleaned? No glass? Or is it from the sticky foam board?

 

[Melinda Tennis]

I just peeled a 40 year old cross-stitch, very slowly, off a sticky board yesterday. It had yellowing/foxing from acidic backing. I had the customer test the color fastness and she washed it in Oxygen bleach and Woolite. Came out much cleaner. If it looks like a well executed cross-stitch the back threads should be secure. If unsure, get the customer to peel it off.

 

[pjraser]

What Wally said.

I would not even try to do that myself. Can you imagine any loose threads on the back, that you might pull while taking it off something so sticky? I would not want to create such a problem for myself.
Textile conservator for sure. Or if customer wants to try it themselves, well, it is their decision.
Why does it need to be cleaned? No glass? Or is it from the sticky foam board?

There wasn’t any glass. I know they used to be framed without glass, but I always recommend glass to protect the art.

 

[Ylva]

You’ll be able to sell them glass now! I hope.

 

[pjraser]

I just peeled a 40 year old cross-stitch, very slowly, off a sticky board yesterday. It had yellowing/foxing from acidic backing. I had the customer test the color fastness and she washed it in Oxygen bleach and Woolite. Came out much cleaner. If it looks like a well executed cross-stitch the back threads should be secure. If unsure, get the customer to peel it off.

Thanks, I’ll suggest it. Although, I’d be afraid the floss color would bleed. She said she pre-washed the floss prior to stitching.

 

[pjraser]

The short and probably painful answer is send it to a textile conservator. The adhesive changes over time and will get into the fiber of the fabrics. Part of the removal process would be to extract as much of the adhesive as possible before stretching it to return to the frame.
If that isn't an option, remember that taking on the job also assumes the risk for a successful outcome. Perhaps someone with more experience with textiles will bring you a different perspective.

Some of the processes we used in the 70's and 80's don't hold up well to current standards, and sticky board was one of them.

I will call a conservator and talk to them before trying anything. The cost may be more than she’s willing to pay.

 

[JFeig]

If you contact any textile conservator, they will say "do not use Woolite®". The PH of it is totally wrong for preservation. Washing in basic dishwashing detergent (Ex: Dawn®) is much more appropriate.

 

[Jim Miller]

I will call a conservator and talk to them before trying anything. The cost may be more than she’s willing to pay.

CAUTION! If she's unwilling to pay for professional removal, then she may ask you to "just do what you can" to remove it.
A word of advice: Don't.

If you attempt removal and anything goes wrong, you might be the one who has to pay for the conservator's work, and it could be even more costly to fix issues added by a failed removal attempt. Don't ask how I know that.

 

[Joe B]

Don't ask how I know that.

I'm wondering if you learned that at the same place I did