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  • 1.  Glue for making archival storage boxes

    Posted 10-03-2023 11:42 PM
    Edited by Leon Worden 10-03-2023 11:46 PM

    Hi! I need to make some large archival storage boxes for oversized (but lightweight) objects, either from blue board or polypropylene sheets, and I don't want to use hot glue. What type of "cold" glue can I use? (What type for blue board & what type for poly?)



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    Leon Worden
    Director/Site Manager, Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society
    Newhall, CA
    Lworden@scvtv.com
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  • 2.  RE: Glue for making archival storage boxes

    Posted 10-04-2023 08:40 AM

    Hello Leon,

    You could create holes on the side and use snap closures as rivets. You will want to poke holes on each side corner using awl/pliers and use plastic EZE snaps (I think that is the correct name for them if you google it) to create rivets to secure the sides.



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    Eldon Yeakel
    Registrar
    Smoky Hill Museum
    Salina KS
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  • 3.  RE: Glue for making archival storage boxes

    Posted 10-04-2023 08:41 PM

    Hi Leon – If you want to avoid plastics/glues all together, use 1/8" wide 100% polyester twill tape as the 'sewing thread" to thread tack the edge flaps of the large archival storage boxes. An awl that first creates the two small holes (I make sure that the holes are in different corrugation channels) make it easier to then use a blunt needle ('tapestry' needle) to thread the very narrow polyester twill tape thru the two holes. A pair of bent-nose pliers makes it easier to pull thru the threaded needle. I knot the ends of the twill tape right next to the surface and with practice you can pop that knot so that it is between the layers of the box board. Using the tapestry needle, you can then smooth down the edges of the holes so there is very little gap. 



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    Margaret Geiss-Mooney
    Conservator
    meg@textileconservator.com
    (707) 763-8694
    Springfield, OR
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  • 4.  RE: Glue for making archival storage boxes

    Posted 10-05-2023 10:26 AM

    Hi. Worth checking is Elmer's School Glue, which is acid-free, and their School Glue Naturals, which is mostly corn and soy. I did some online research, so it would be best to contact Elmer's.



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    Greg Moss
    Museum Planning Committee
    International Society of Antique Scale Collectors (www.isasc.org)
    Pittsburgh, PA
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