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  • 1.  Black foam in collections storage

    Posted 03-03-2023 14:52

    Hi all,

     

    We are in the process of doing some reorganizing and making improvements in our visual storage space (room surrounded by glass on 3 sides with collections objects on metal shelving inside). We'll be repainting the walls black, and it's been suggested to also use black foam to line our shelves rather than the typical white. I know Volara has a black polyethylene foam, which is what we would probably use. This may be a silly question, but as we've only ever used white foam in the past, I just wanted to check if anyone had had any issues with using black foam in collections storage?

     

    Also, I've found Volara Type A listed on collections care supplier websites, but Type 2A is listed on other websites with a better price. I'm unclear on if there's any difference between the two or if 2A would be included within the type A umbrella?

     

    Any thoughts are welcome!

     

    Thank you very much!

     

    Best,

    Julia

    Julia Jessen, M.A.
    Registrar | she/her

    MUSEUM OF DANISH AMERICA
    E: JULIA.JESSEN@DANISHMUSEUM.ORG | P: 712.764.7001
    2212 WASHINGTON STREET, ELK HORN, IA 51531

    DANISHMUSEUM.ORG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

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  • 2.  RE: Black foam in collections storage

    Posted 03-07-2023 07:48 
    I'm from Italy and here in Europe we don't use that type of foam so I could be wrong, but after searching the internet for various Volare datasheets I think that the number 2 (or 4 or 6) refers to the density of the material.
    I found this description about the density of the product on a data sheet:

    VOLARA is available in many styles and thicknesses. The most common are 2A, 2AF, 4A and 6A. The EO grades are suited to medical and food applications, but typically require large minimums. Generally VOLARA densities go up as thickness goes down: 2# density (2A and 2AF) is common in 1/8" thickness, 4# density (4A) in 1/16th and 6# density (6A) in 1/32" thicknesses.

    I hope this is helpful





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    Simone Morbin
    Conservator
    Freelance/Private Practice/Self-employed/Independent
    Belluno
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  • 3.  RE: Black foam in collections storage

    Posted 03-10-2023 11:29

    I've heard black Volara fails Oddy tests although I have never tested it myself. You may want to look into this more before switching. 



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    Susan Costello
    Conservator of Objects and Sculpture
    Harvard Art Museums
    Cambridge, MA
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