Connecting to Collections Care

Hello all,

Gaylord used to sell artifact tags with nylon string, and this is what my museum has used to tie tags to artifacts for probably two decades now. I recently went to purchase new tags, but they only come in unbleached cotton. Is this because there are known issues with nylon? The trusty NPS Conserve O Gram on safe materials for storage did not shed any light on this. I really prefer the nylon string since it is much easier to untie and hide when an artifact goes on exhibit.

My sincerest thanks for any insight!

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Chelsea Sigourney
Curator of Exhibits & Collections
Columbia SC
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Hi.

I believe the nylon string is not recommended because it is hard and can be abrasive to an item. It may also have intert qualities that are in play. 

Someone else may know more.

~ jo

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~ jo lynne
MuseumArtist123@gmail.com
NM
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2024 14:13
From: Chelsea Sigourney
Subject: Nylon String for Artifact Tags

Hello all,

Gaylord used to sell artifact tags with nylon string, and this is what my museum has used to tie tags to artifacts for probably two decades now. I recently went to purchase new tags, but they only come in unbleached cotton. Is this because there are known issues with nylon? The trusty NPS Conserve O Gram on safe materials for storage did not shed any light on this. I really prefer the nylon string since it is much easier to untie and hide when an artifact goes on exhibit.

My sincerest thanks for any insight!

------------------------------
Chelsea Sigourney
Curator of Exhibits & Collections
Columbia SC
------------------------------

Hi Chelsea, 

Apologies for the delay in responding! I believe that the shift away from nylon string is because it can be very sharp and abrasive against certain materials where the unbleached cotton is much softer. This post from the Northern States Conservation Center offers some alternatives that might work if you're looking for a different material to tie with: Numbering Museum Collections

All the best,

Liz

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Elizabeth Peirce
Conservator (Objects) /Connecting to Collections Care Monitor 10/2-10/15
Library of Congress
Washington DC
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2024 14:13
From: Chelsea Sigourney
Subject: Nylon String for Artifact Tags

Hello all,

Gaylord used to sell artifact tags with nylon string, and this is what my museum has used to tie tags to artifacts for probably two decades now. I recently went to purchase new tags, but they only come in unbleached cotton. Is this because there are known issues with nylon? The trusty NPS Conserve O Gram on safe materials for storage did not shed any light on this. I really prefer the nylon string since it is much easier to untie and hide when an artifact goes on exhibit.

My sincerest thanks for any insight!

------------------------------
Chelsea Sigourney
Curator of Exhibits & Collections
Columbia SC
------------------------------