Scotch Tape Stains

[Archive]

Posted By: mcavoy

Good question, so I looked around. Preservation courses start at about $1000. The use of chemicals may cause long-term degradation to the paper, but so may the tape residue: this suggestion seems easy enough to try on a low grade common; however, I do not know you have a pressure sensitive tape, for which this procedure is recommended (maybe you have a polymer based adhesive?):

http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/homemgt/nf138.htm

"Adhesives and Tapes.
Most pastes and glues are acidic and cause damage to paper, and stains. The residue of the adhesive from pressure-sensitive tapes remains on the paper after the tapes have fallen off. There is usually no remedy for the dark brown stain resulting. Although paper conservators may be able to remove the stain, it is difficult. A hair dryer can be used first to warm the tape or adhesive. Then very gently scrape off or clean the adhesive with a vinyl eraser."

Go to your local public library and request this article:
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/carfax/cjsa/2002/00000023/00000002/art00004