Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Newly acquired conservation titles available in the Getty Library's Conservation Collection 2. RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment 3. Rolled Textile Storage 4. RE: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project 5. RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment 6. RE: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project 7. RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Sheila Cummins Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 6:06 AM Subject: Newly acquired conservation titles available in the Getty Library's Conservation Collection Message: Every month the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) acquires new research materials for the Conservation Collection, housed in the Library at the Getty Research Institute (GRI). The collection represents an ongoing collaboration between the GCI and the GRI to acquire and retain critical resources required to fulfill the long-term research and scholarship needs of the international conservation community. In April we added books about indigo and resist dyeing from an anthropological perspective, conservation as a social science, Japanese ceramic techniques, issues pertaining to ethnographic museums, critical explorations of the impact of urban development, professional principles in de-carbonizing the built environment, new archaeological research in Rapa Nui and the Pacific, and the architectural history of the Oratory of the Madonna della Salute in Italy: https://gty.art/3PCrYVt <https://gty.art/3PCrYVt?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdG03akc3RzREa3luY3BRQ3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7nsrmwuv7ebMbHWmLVAhnrisdHjH0oViNmjJGFADCORtXFSxRVk8LUJAfICg_aem_PN_Df94SeXOer1vcatJyIw> The holdings of the Conservation Collection may be consulted at the Getty Center or borrowed through your Library's Interlibrary Loan Department. ------------------------------ Sheila Cummins Collection Development Librarian Getty Conservation Institute Los Angeles, CA 310-440-7619 [email protected] ------------------------------ 2.From: Rebecca Bade Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 6:06 AM Subject: RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Message: Dear Kaleigh, In my diploma thesis, I focused on the treatment of waterlogged wood–iron composite objects. The stabilization using lactitol and trehalose worked very well and did not cause any damage to the iron. Even though the work is now more than 20 years old, I still fully stand by the results. I will upload it to this website within the next few days so that you can decide whether the method might be suitable for your purposes. First, however, I still need to translate it 😀. Kind regards Rebecca ------------------------------ Rebecca Bade Head of Conservation Austrian Archaeological Institute Vienna Austria ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-18-2026 05:32 From: Kayleigh Spring Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Dear All, I am wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment? SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> I have some roman wooden boxes with nails that are waterlogged and require treatment. I have ruled out PEG due to the presence of the iron nails. I have used Glycerol previously on waterlogged leather that contained nails but noticed people do not advice this for wood due to it leaving a tacky finish. My main questions are: It says that you can just submerge the wood in the solution and leave it. How do you know when the solution has fully permeated the wood? Is there a way to check the concentration of the final solution or is it known it will penetrate a certain thickness over a given length of time?We have a freeze dryer here that we would normally use with waterlogged material as we find trying to control the temperature and RH during air-drying difficult in our building. Can we still use a freeze drying method after impregnating with SP-11?It implies that the solution can be reused – does any waste need to be disposed of as hazardous waste? Does anyone know what the solutions ingredients are? Any help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards Kayleigh Preservation Solutionsremove preview <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment>SP-11 Waterlogged Wood TreatmentA professional conservation treatment designed for stabilizing waterlogged and excavated wooden artifacts. Use by underwater archaeologists and conservationist. View this on Preservation Solutions > <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> ------------------------------ Kayleigh Spring Object Conservator Wiltshire Conservation Service Wiltshire United Kingdom ------------------------------ 3.From: Katie Proctor Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 8:32 AM Subject: Rolled Textile Storage Message: Hi All, I am looking for roll supports for textile storage. Ideally light weight and available in different diameters. UK based suppliers would be best. What are people using to roll and support flat textiles in their collections? Thank you, Katie. ------------------------------ Katie Proctor Conservation and Collections Care Manager University of Leeds Library Leeds United Kingdom ------------------------------ 4.From: Alessandro Sidoti Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 8:46 PM Subject: RE: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project Message: Dear Heather, yes, my gut would say exactly the same: cover the stacks and isolate them as much as possible from dust and debris. In a similar situation, during works in our manuscript storage areas, we used something like this: https://www.rothoblaas.com/products/airtightness-and-waterproofing/membranes/traspir/traspir-evo-160?_gl=1*ot0126*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIyNjk0MDI3LjE3Nzk0NTU0OTI.*_ga_B30VE6K3V5*czE3Nzk0NTU0OTIkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk0NTU1MzkkajEzJGwwJGgw <https://www.rothoblaas.com/products/airtightness-and-waterproofing/membranes/traspir/traspir-evo-160?_gl=1*ot0126*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTIyNjk0MDI3LjE3Nzk0NTU0OTI.*_ga_B30VE6K3V5*czE3Nzk0NTU0OTIkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzk0NTU1MzkkajEzJGwwJGgw> We found it very useful because it is fire resistant but still breathable, which helped avoid trapping humidity around the collections during the longer phases of the works. We sealed the shelving units carefully from the top and sides. The removal of old carpet could release very fine dust, so I would strongly recommend trying to compartmentalize the work areas as much as possible. Good luck with the renovation - and with whatever may emerge from under a 1970s carpet 😊 Best regards, Alessandro Sidoti Head of Conservation National Library of Florence ------------------------------ Alessandro Sidoti Head of Conservation Workshop Firenze Italy ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-20-2026 15:11 From: Heather Adams Subject: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project Our library will be taking up carpet from the 70's (with the dearly departed remains of the padding). The project budget does not allow for moving the stacks during that renovation. My gut says to cover the stacks. What would you recommend? And if you've done this, do you have any tips or suggestions?Thank youHeather AdamsHead of Preservation and ConservationBinghamton University LibrariesLS2525607-777-6207 5.From: Nichole Doub Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 8:46 PM Subject: RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Message: Hi Helena, I would generally agree that Primal/Rhoplex products can be very useful consolidants for archaeological wood under the right circumstances. In particular, they tend to perform well in cases where the artifact is dry or only moderately damp, or where deterioration is primarily confined to the outer structure of the object while the core remains relatively intact. In those situations, they can provide meaningful surface consolidation and handling stability. Where I would exercise caution is in the treatment of severely deteriorated waterlogged wood. In those cases, the material typically requires a true bulking agent capable of replacing lost structural support within the cellular network as water is removed. Primal/Rhoplex systems generally do not have the penetration characteristics or dimensional stabilization performance necessary to fulfill that role on their own. As with most archaeological conservation treatments, suitability really depends on the condition profile of the object and the intended outcome of treatment. Best regards, Nichole ------------------------------ Nichole Doub Head Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-21-2026 08:38 From: Helena Jaeschke Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Dear Kayleigh Primal WS24 PRIMAL™ WS-24 Colloidal Dispersion <https://www.dow.com/en-us/pdp.primal-ws-24-colloidal-dispersion.154962z.html> is an aqueous dispersion of an acrylic copolymer that has been used very successfully to consolidate archaeological wood as well as other materials [Payton, R. (1984). The conservation of an eighth century BC table from Gordion. Studies in Conservation, 29(sup1), 133–137. The conservation of an eighth century BC table from Gordion <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/sic.1984.29.Supplement-1.133> ] originally in Preprints of the Contributions to the Paris Congress, 2-8 September 1984. Adhesives and Consolidants Historic England mention it in their guide <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/> <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/>https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/ <https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/waterlogged-organic-artefacts/heag260-waterlogged-organic-artefacts/> I have Primal WS24 if you'd like some for trials. All the best Helena ------------------------------ Helena Jaeschke, ACR FIIC Conservation Development Officer Museum Development South SWest Taunton UK ------------------------------ Original Message: Sent: 05-19-2026 11:34 From: Nichole Doub Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Hi Keyleigh, When I've had clients specifically ask about SP-11, I tell them that we avoid proprietary products that don't disclose their composition. Without knowing exactly what is in the formulation, it's hard to evaluate long-term aging behavior, reversibility, or how future conservation interventions might be affected by its use. Anecdotal stories from Australian colleagues have mentioned crosslinking of the polymer. And no, SP-11 is not compatible with freeze drying. Freeze dryers were designed around water as the primary, and essentially only, solvent. Without knowing the solvent system involved in a proprietary treatment like this, there's a real possibility of complications or damage to a standard freeze-drying setup. As for the iron nails, have you explored using corrosion inhibitors in the PEG solution to help manage active corrosion during treatment? Kind regards, Nichole ------------------------------ Nichole Doub Head Conservator Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory Saint Leonard United States Original Message: Sent: 05-18-2026 05:32 From: Kayleigh Spring Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Dear All, I am wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment? SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> I have some roman wooden boxes with nails that are waterlogged and require treatment. I have ruled out PEG due to the presence of the iron nails. I have used Glycerol previously on waterlogged leather that contained nails but noticed people do not advice this for wood due to it leaving a tacky finish. My main questions are: It says that you can just submerge the wood in the solution and leave it. How do you know when the solution has fully permeated the wood? Is there a way to check the concentration of the final solution or is it known it will penetrate a certain thickness over a given length of time?We have a freeze dryer here that we would normally use with waterlogged material as we find trying to control the temperature and RH during air-drying difficult in our building. Can we still use a freeze drying method after impregnating with SP-11?It implies that the solution can be reused – does any waste need to be disposed of as hazardous waste? Does anyone know what the solutions ingredients are? Any help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards Kayleigh Preservation Solutionsremove preview <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment>SP-11 Waterlogged Wood TreatmentA professional conservation treatment designed for stabilizing waterlogged and excavated wooden artifacts. Use by underwater archaeologists and conservationist. View this on Preservation Solutions > <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> ------------------------------ Kayleigh Spring Object Conservator Wiltshire Conservation Service Wiltshire United Kingdom ------------------------------ 6.From: Caroline Bendix Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 8:46 PM Subject: RE: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project Message: Hi Heather, The main question is what are the environmental conditions like? If stable, with an RH permanently no higher than 60%, covering the stacks is a possibility. If your RH gets higher than this, I wouldn't cover them, as mould will be a threat. If you do cover them, Tyvek is breathable and keeps dust out well, as does downproof (the material that encases feathers in cushions and duvets). For more secure or solid protection, you can board them in with boards, or use a flame-retardant corrugated or sheet material, such as Correx or Antinox. Magnets can be helpful for securing coverings if your bookshelves are metal. Best wishes, Caroline Caroline Bendix, ACR Independent Library Conservator Wry Furlong Welford Road Sibbertoft Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 9UJ Tel. +44 (0)1858 881091 Email: [email protected] <[email protected]> Web: www.bendixlibraryconservation.com <https://www.bendixlibraryconservation.com/> ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 5/20/2026 3:11:00 PM From: Heather Adams Subject: Covering Library Stacks During Renovation Project Our library will be taking up carpet from the 70's (with the dearly departed remains of the padding). The project budget does not allow for moving the stacks during that renovation. My gut says to cover the stacks. What would you recommend? And if you've done this, do you have any tips or suggestions? Thank you Heather Adams Head of Preservation and Conservation Binghamton University Libraries LS2525 607-777-6207 7.From: Lesley Haines Posted: Friday May 22, 2026 8:47 PM Subject: RE: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Message: Hi Kayleigh, I can't speak to the effects of SP-11. I have not used it before and couldn't find its SDS. However, we have used sodium nitrite (NaNO2) successfully as a corrosion inhibitor during PEG consolidation baths to prevent iron corrosion of waterlogged wood/iron composites. It does not stain the wood and doesn't impact vacuum freeze drying. This method is built on the experimentation that several of my colleagues collaborated on over a number of years. I've included links to a few publications which talk about the testing process and implementation of this method on oak panels with embedded iron bolts from USS Monitor's gun carriage. Today, the treatment has evolved to using 4000ppm NaNO2 instead of 1000ppm (what is suggested in the paper). Additionally, Hostacor IT is another corrosion inhibitor to consider. In addition to the articles, I've included a link to our research publications page in case it proves useful. There are a few more papers related to conserving waterlogged wood which may be helpful. Sangouard, E. 2019. When Wood and Iron Are Inextricably Intertwined: The Treatment of a Gun Carriage from the USS Monitor. AIC News 44 (3). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378549472_When_Wood_and_Iron_are_Inextricably_Intertwined_The_Treatment_of_a_Gun_Carriage_from_the_USS_Monitor <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378549472_When_Wood_and_Iron_are_Inextricably_Intertwined_The_Treatment_of_a_Gun_Carriage_from_the_USS_Monitor> Sangouard, E., Nordgren, E., Sphon, R., Brunke, K., and Krop, D. 2015. Evaluation of sodium nitrite as a corrosion inhibitor for USS Monitor artifacts. Studies in Conservation 60(4): 253-266. https://doi.org/10.1179/2047058414Y.0000000145 <https://doi.org/10.1179/2047058414Y.0000000145> Sullivan, K., Spohn, R., and Sangouard, E. 2018. Investigating the use of sodium nitrite as a corrosion inhibitor in polyethylene glycol solutions. In Proceedings of the 13th ICOM-CC Wet Organic Archaeological Materials Working Group, Florence 2016, eds. E. Williams and E. Hocker, 262-270. Paris: International Council of Museums – Committee for Conservation (ICOM–CC). ISBN 978-2-491997-44-1. https://www.icom-cc-publications-online.org/4837/Sodium-nitrite-as-a-corrosion-inhibitor-in-polyethylene-glycol-solutions-for-the-treatment-of-waterlogged-wooden-artifacts-with-ferrous-components- <https://www.icom-cc-publications-online.org/4837/Sodium-nitrite-as-a-corrosion-inhibitor-in-polyethylene-glycol-solutions-for-the-treatment-of-waterlogged-wooden-artifacts-with-ferrous-components-> The Mariners' Museum Conservation Science Research page: Conservation Science Research - The Mariners' Museum and Park <https://www.marinersmuseum.org/conservation-science-research/> Best of luck and feel free to reach out if you have questions! Sincerely, Lesley ------------------------------ Lesley Haines Archaeological Conservator The Mariners' Museum and Park Newport News United States ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 05-18-2026 05:32 From: Kayleigh Spring Subject: Advice and Experience of using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment Dear All, I am wondering if anyone has any advice or experience with using SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment? SP-11 Waterlogged Wood Treatment <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> I have some roman wooden boxes with nails that are waterlogged and require treatment. I have ruled out PEG due to the presence of the iron nails. I have used Glycerol previously on waterlogged leather that contained nails but noticed people do not advice this for wood due to it leaving a tacky finish. My main questions are: It says that you can just submerge the wood in the solution and leave it. How do you know when the solution has fully permeated the wood? Is there a way to check the concentration of the final solution or is it known it will penetrate a certain thickness over a given length of time?We have a freeze dryer here that we would normally use with waterlogged material as we find trying to control the temperature and RH during air-drying difficult in our building. Can we still use a freeze drying method after impregnating with SP-11?It implies that the solution can be reused – does any waste need to be disposed of as hazardous waste? Does anyone know what the solutions ingredients are? Any help is greatly appreciated. Kind regards Kayleigh Preservation Solutionsremove preview <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment>SP-11 Waterlogged Wood TreatmentA professional conservation treatment designed for stabilizing waterlogged and excavated wooden artifacts. Use by underwater archaeologists and conservationist. View this on Preservation Solutions > <https://preservation-solutions.com/products/sp-11-waterlogged-wood-treatment> ------------------------------ Kayleigh Spring Object Conservator Wiltshire Conservation Service Wiltshire United Kingdom ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
