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  • 1.  Fixative for braided faux hair objects

    Posted 11-14-2023 15:39

    I am working with an artist to repair two of their artworks made from braided faux hair and they want to use a fixative to seal the works as the final step. They have never used a fixative to seal any of their other works and I've already steered them away from some harsh sprays. I wouldn't normally be for using a fixative on a textile, but the reason they are being treated is that visitors can't seem to keep their hands off the objects. Of course there is always the option of a plexi barrier, though we'd like to avoid it.

    I believe Golden acrylic varnish would be too stiff, could damage the works, and wouldn't be reversable. Would a starch based spray work? Any ideas or insights would be greatly appreciated! 



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    Ellen Brinich
    Chief Registrar
    Philbrook Museum of Art
    Tulsa OK
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  • 2.  RE: Fixative for braided faux hair objects

    Posted 11-15-2023 08:58

    Hi Ellen,

    This isn't my area of expertise so I'm reaching out to some colleagues to get more information for you. I'll let you know once I have an answer.
    Best,
    Saira
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor


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    Saira Haqqi (she/they)
    Conservator
    National Archives and Records Administration
    College Park, MD
    saira.haqqi@nara.gov
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  • 3.  RE: Fixative for braided faux hair objects

    Posted 11-15-2023 12:59

    Thank you, Saira! It would probably be useful for me to share that the hair brand is Kanekalon--a modacrylic fiber.



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    Ellen Brinich
    Chief Registrar
    Philbrook Museum of Art
    Tulsa OK
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Fixative for braided faux hair objects

    Posted 11-16-2023 15:11

    Hi Ellen,

    I heard back from one of my contacts, an objects conservator, and she had this to say:

    "This is a really good question. I would be very hesitant to put any kind of fixative on it. Would it be possible from them to make sheaths of silk crepeline or Stabletex to put around the braids? This would be a lot more reversible and if you dye them, they can be pretty non-visually intrusive. You could then stitch them through the braid which should hold really well. It's hard to give advice without knowing what the object looks like. I hope this is helpful!"

    I will let you know if I hear from anyone else.

    Thanks,

    Saira

    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor



    ------------------------------
    Saira Haqqi (she/they)
    Conservator
    National Archives and Records Administration
    College Park, MD
    saira.haqqi@nara.gov
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Fixative for braided faux hair objects

    Posted 11-17-2023 10:55

    Dear Elen and Saira,

    I worked on a recent acquisition of a drawing with Kanekalon braids wrapped around the frame.  One of the strands was coming unbraided, so I used black thread stitched through and around the loose fibers to secure them.  Without seeing your objects, it is hard for me to compare them to the one I repaired.  I would hesitate to use a fixative, especially if the aritst wants to retain the silky look and drape of the braids.  Could you discourage handling by visitors by placing a sample of the braids near the objects with a label explaining what they are and that the samples can be touched but to please not touch the art?  If you have docent tours, docents could also pass around samples for the group to touch.  It won't prevent all handling but could help.



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    Cecile Mear
    Conservator of Works on Paper
    Cincinnati Art Museum
    Cincinnati OH
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    Original Message


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