Date:Tue, 22 Jul 2003 12:51:14 -0400
Reply-To:Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
<[log in to unmask]>
Sender:Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
<[log in to unmask]>
From:"[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:Re: Advice on restoring a 1954 audiotape
Comments:To: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
<[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask]In-Reply-To:<00e101c34fea$fdab2820$0100007f@kVaio>
Content-Type:multipart/alternative;
Grete:
Do not try to clean moldy tape by multiple fast forward/rewind passes. This
does not work well with mold and can damage moldy tape. Tapes with mold can
often be suffering from other problems such as binder hydrolysis,
binder-base adhesion failure and/or sections of the tape edge that are
adhering between wraps due to action of the mold on the tape components
where the mold is most active.
Here's some advice, if you want to try and treat the tape yourself:
First, to properly clean off mold, the mold must be driven into dormancy.
Attempts to wipe off active mold will often spread the contamination rather
than removing it. Dormancy can be achieved by placing the tape in an
environment with low humidity for a few weeks. We use an environmental
chamber and reduce the RH to below 30%RH.
Second, the tape should be tested to determine if hydrolysis or binder-base
adhesion failure is a problem. If these are present, the tape should be
treated to stabilize it before playback to avoid permanent damage to the
recording layer.
It is important to always wear protective gear when handling or cleaning
tapes with mold. At the very least, you should wear latex gloves, a dust
mask and some form of eye protection. Mold can cause health problems that
can be severe if someone is sensitive. It is best to remove and clean all
clothing worn during the mold removal process or to wear a smock that can be
removed. Do not hold or interact closely with small children after heavy
mold exposure until you have washed any exposed skin and changed your outer
clothes.
To clean off the mold, non-dusting, non-abrasive tissue wipes can be used.
The entire surface of the tape, both front and back and head to tail, need
to be wiped. This will remove most of the flowering heads but will not
remove all. Frequently, chemical treatment is required. You will also want
to replace or chemically treat the reel.
You can do a rough test for binder instability during early stages of the
tissue wipe. If you get a "waxy" residue or little "flakes" of tape come
off on the tissues, you have a binder instability problem that may need to
be addressed before continuing with the tissue wipe.
Of course, you can try these things yourself or you can send the tape to a
facility that does this sort of work and has specialized equipment and
technicians trained in the procedures.
We decontaminate tapes with fungus on a regular basis and would be glad to
talk with you off-list if you want more information.
Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
(201) 440-6589
www.specsbros.com
Celebrating 20 Years of Restoration and Disaster Recovery Service
-----Original Message-----
From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Grete Pasch
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2003 8:49 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ARSCLIST] Advice on restoring a 1954 audiotape
I'm new to this list, so perhaps I should introduce myself briefly. I
direct the New Media department at a private university in Guatemala city.
We produce educational video and audio programs that we stream via the
Internet or distribute on DVDs or CDs. So I have many practical questions
about storage formats and conditions, but today I have one specific problem
on my mind.
The President of the University brought me an audiotape recorded in 1954,
to see if we can rescue its contents (apparently a home recording of an
important radio program). We don't know anything about the length of the
program or the recording spped. It's a "600 ft red oxide on plastic type
651" reel. The tape and the plastic reel are both covered with hundreds of
fuzzy mold dots. I've taken some pictures:
General view: www.newmedia.ufm.edu.gt/gpasch/audiotape/general.jpg
Detail front: www.newmedia.ufm.edu.gt/gpasch/audiotape/detail.jpg
Detail back: www.newmedia.ufm.edu.gt/gpasch/audiotape/detail2.jpg
I have found some reel-to-reel equipment that we could use to read the
tape, however, how do we get rid of the mold? I've heard two suggestions:
one, fearlessly wipe the mold clean while fast forwarding the tape, using a
soft cloth, then read it. And two, mail the tape to Vidipax in NY, where it
should receive the best treatment. Any suggestions on how I should proceed?
I will really appreciate any help you all can give me!!
Saludos cordiales,
-Grete
--
Grete Pasch - www.newmedia.ufm.edu.gt
Uni.Fco.Marroquín, Guatemala - (502) 3387875
