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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! 

Hi Ellen,

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! 

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

Hi Ellen,

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! 

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

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

Hi Ellen,

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!