Jamie Hascall Jun 4

Hi All, I’m wondering what the current opinion is in the museum and conservation community regarding the use of Volara and volara type fused surface polyethylene foams. It has long been a standard padding in mountmaking, but a review of the current Oddy test results in the AIC Wiki raises questions about its long term use. In addition, I’m seeing suppliers that used to be sources of Volara with an acrylic adhesive no longer offering it. I’m wondering if there have been problems with it or if what seem like minor blemishes in the test results are influencing the availability of an otherwise longstanding product? In our situation, the need for padding and protection from abrasion on ethnographic objects will still lead us to use it, but I’m wondering about the longer view with regards to this material. Thanks, Jamie Jamie Hascall Craftsman, Trainer, Consultant Mountmakingfocus.com jamie@mountmakingfocus.com Seattle, WA

emilio Jun 4

Hi Jaime, I do use volara as well and I'm surprised to hear this. We are not testing regularly and the stock I still have remaining is fairly old (at least 8 years). Last time I bought it was through University Products. At the moment we do not have a conservator on staff so If I would like to have it tested I would have to send it to a private lab. I'm curious what others have to say. It is a nice product. (or was). Emilio

Pamela Gaible Jun 4

For what it's worth. Field Museum's oddy test Black volara no adhesive from Gaylord Tested in 2017 - Passed White volara no adhesive from Matsterpak tested in 2014 - Passed  (since I still have a stash of this we have not retested it this year but it is due.) Black Adhesive backed - Lineco Volara Foam Rabbet Tape tested in 2017 - Failed Best Pam

kenymarshall Jun 4

I'm sure that some of you have seen this but for those that haven't...here's the American Institute for Conservation wiki page for Oddy test results for case construction. https://www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Oddy_Test_Results:_Case_Construction_Materials Volara seems to be considered temporary or unsuitable depending on type. Really depends on the nature of the object I would think. Keny  The Andy Warhol Museum Natural History