Anime-Beta TNG

I've noticed some of my sketches have tape that's causing browning. I'm assuming the already browned sections are a lost cause, but I'd like to at least preserve what's left. The trouble is that when I attempt to remove the tape, there's a sticky residue behind. I'm assuming this residue can cause browning as well. Any suggestions how to neutralize this situation?

- Karen

Check out Sensei's thread:

http://www.anime-beta.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=24693

Whoops, missed that one. I'll add on to it, then. Thanks

- Karen

Thanks, samiamew. There is a neutralizing spray that is available from archival sources like Light Impressions, but it's pricy. I'd suggest getting some eucalyptus oil (I saw a reasonably-priced little bottle recently in a drug store alongside other topical antiseptics like tea-tree oil) and using that on a cotton swab to soften up the remaining sticky. Then use a hypoallergenic facial tissue to remove as much of the adhesive as you can. As you've correctly inferred, it's the glue, not the plastic tape, that causes the browning.

The thing that concerns me is using this on the back of sketches where there is plenty of art on the other side. Have you had any issues with standard pencil or red pen? Slayers animators really like using red pen...

- Karen

Eucalyptus oil will not lift graphite pencil lines. It will lift anything laid down by photocopy (e.g., copy layout art). I've had mixed experience with colored pencil, and can only assume that there are different kinds. The ones that are essentially crayola pigments won't lift, as the pigment is mixed with paraffin. Oil-based colored pencils might lift.

For prudence's sake, I'd try a dab of the solvent on a non-essential part of the sketch and see. If it does smear or spread, you could try using as little as you can on the surface and then quickly dab off as much of the glue as you can.

But overall, I'd apply the old doctor's homily: first, do no harm. If it looks like you'll damage the art further, then don't do it.