How to Fix a Paste Up that Fell Off?

[ComicArtMall]

Hello. I have a piece of original art, and the paste up for the word balloon fell off in one area. It looks like rubber cement was originally used, since it looks brownish orange underneath.

 

How would you guys recommend fixing this? Should I glue it on? Should I just use rubber cement? I'm a little concerned about using glue since it seems a little too permanent.

 

Thanks for the help in advance.

[Kevn]

Definitely don't use rubber cement or any glue you would have sitting around! I'm in the process of doing some research of what products are best to use in this case, and haven't settled on one yet. A lot of glues that were supposed to be archival turn out not to be, so err on the side of not doing anything for now. Probably some others here can share what solutions they've found, but you really want the expertise of someone with paper conservation experience and skills.

[AKA Rick]

I usually just keep it, put it in a sports trading card sleeve, and store it with the original artwork and don't bother trying to adhere it to the original art in fear of causing permanent damage.

 

The original glues used for a lot of artwork was not archival quality, and many leave staining on the back as well as surrounding areas where the glue was applied, and often times the glue dehydrates and cracks, thus falling off. So, in part anything you do to the piece may not necessarily be worst than what's already been done to it, but at the same time if you are thinking of it from an investment standpoint, anything you do from this point on is considered "restoration" so with that in mind, you may want to do what I mentioned above.

 

Otherwise, if you care only about aesthethics and wanting that dialogue/text integrated back onto the piece maybe use double sided archival acid free tape, used for photographs and scrapbooking and just cut a little bit to stick it back on to the proper area and hold it's place.

[zhamlau]

Use Methyl Cellulose. Its water soluable and can be reversed. Oddly, it will come off with cold water but not hot for some reason. Its completely archival as well. You have to mix it though and let it sit for a while.

[ComicArtMall]

Thanks for all the advice. It's really helpful!

[TMNT]

A stapler?

[Rodey]

duct tape

[Eric Seffinga]

There's always decking screws?

 

The methyl cellulose is the perfect answer. And it will make you not constipated as well, so... bonus!

 

Or as another alternative I would use Nori myself (archival rice paste), as it's been tried and true for ages. A tiny bag should last you a long time if you keep it zipped up in a cool dry part of the house. Some links about it below...

 

http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/ink/ricestarch.html

http://saveyourbooks.com/why-use-paste-vs-glue-or-vice-versa/

http://www.trueart.info/adhesives.htm

 

These guys make pre-made bottles of the stuff for folks too lazy to make it at home. I've never used it, but they are options as good as any others:

http://www.insituconservation.com/en/products/archival_glues/rice_starch

http://www.imcclains.com/catalog/ink/nori.html

http://www.yasutomo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=49:product-reviews&id=100:nori-all-purpose-paste

 

 

 

[Rune]

I used something like this for a piece - after consulting some experts, made a post about it somewhere in Doc Joe's thread.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Lineco-Neutral-pH-Adhesive-oz/dp/B001I6FEHE

 

But do be careful and test the glue first on some paper, so you do not apply too much and know how to control it

[Rune]

Found it

 

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=8064350

[ComicArtMall]

Thanks again. I think I'll try the nori paste since I can remove it later if I want.