Evaluation of the use of SC6000 in conjunction with Klucel G as a conservation treatment for bookbinding leather: notes on a preliminary study

Abstract

This article begins to address the issue of a lack of reliable data on the effects of materials commonly applied to bookbinding leather by conservators. A series of tests were undertaken with the aim of determining the effects of Klucel G, SC6000 and Renaissance Wax on bookbinding leather. Of the vast array of materials historically applied to damaged leather bindings, these represent types of material with relatively widespread use over the past 20–30 years.Samples treated with Klucel G, SC6000 and Renaissance Wax, alone and in a specific range of combinations, were exposed to a dry acidic environment for periods of 6 and 12 weeks. Measurements of shrinkage temperature and colour change, as well as comparative fibre assessment, were undertaken for all samples. Penetration of leather by Klucel G-based consolidants was measured by treating samples with consolidant preparations impregnated with a fluorescent marker (UVITEX® OB). These were examined in cross-section under near-ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 60–100× magnification.For reasons relating to study design and the materials and equipment used, the results produced were not conclusive, but do suggest a need for further investigation. To indicate a possible basis for future research in this area the strengths and weaknesses of the experimental procedures are reviewed.