Question Re-mounting transparent silk painting

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flyingframers

Grumbler in Training
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Mar 26, 2008
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We need to re-mount a transparent silk painting that was recently removed from its backing. The piece has some damage and warping and some sticky adhesive on the back of the image. Archival spray adhesive was used for the previous mounting. The artwork needs to be safely re-mounted and we would like some input on what adhesive people would recommend. It will need to be mounted on a colored surface because the backing will show through and so will any glue used to mount the piece.
Does anyone have any advice that would be helpful?
 
a) This job sounds as though it should be handled by a trained conservator. You couldn't charge enough to make the extreme risk worthwhile to attempt yourself.
b) "Archival spray adhesive" sounds like an oxymoron. If there is adhesive residue on the piece and it discolors over time, guess who will be getting the blame. Hint: NOT the original mounter.
:kaffeetrinker_2: Rick
 
Welcome, flyingframers.

First, there are a few ground rules about preservation framing. For example, anything that happens to change the original condition of a valuable item reduces its value. So, light damage such as fading, sharp creases, cuts, soiling, adhesive residue, or other changes are considered to be damage.

"Value" refers to personal or sentimental value as well as monetary value. Most of the valuables we frame are family heirlooms that would have little monetary value if sold. The thing is, their owners consider them priceless, so they deserve the best framing we can provide.

Any kind of adhesive applied to a fabric would soak or migrate into the weave and its fibers, and that is why adhesives are generally unacceptable for mounting valuable textiles. Regardless of an adhesive's chemistry, its residue probably would require removal by conservation treatment, and some of it might have to remain in the textile forever.

As adhesives go, anything water-soluble would be better than anything solvent-based, but I agree with Rick; there is no such thing as an "Archival spray adhesive".

For collectible or valuable textiles, I suggest using Stabiltex (polyester) or Crepeline (French silk organdy) in a fine mesh overlay mount. If you search this forum for terms such as "fine mesh overlay", you should be able to find plenty of instructions about the process.

Try these:
http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=33191&highlight=fine+mesh+overlay

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=33089&highlight=fine+mesh+overlay

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=32022&highlight=fine+mesh+overlay

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?t=22737&highlight=fine+mesh+overlay
 
We are still working on the piece and trying out some sample runs before we tackle the real thing. Though late in posting a reply, much thanks for the advice!:)
 
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