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- Technique 8 - Tie-on label
Labelling and Marking Guidelines -
Tie-on label
This advice is based on guidelines provided by the NML
Pros:
- Easy to get from conservation suppliers;
- Easy to write on;
- Noticeable and easy to find;
- Can be written on in pencil or pen.
Cons:
- PH (acidity) should be tested if you don't know the origin;
- Tyvek is slightly more difficult;
- Easy to remove and lose;
- Paper labels may fall apart in a flood;
- Fibres from cotton may stick to artefacts;
- String may be nylon not cotton and deteriorate and harm the object;
- Cotton string may wick oil from the object, oil may cause ink to run;
- Paper and cotton labels are an insect food source.
Materials
- Use white acid free paper or card labels or Tyvek tags with tape or string.
Method
- Examine the object to check if the method is appropriate. If in doubt, consult a conservator.
- Write the object number on an acid-free paper or Tyvek using a suitable drawing ink and drawing pen.
- Pass tape, string or thread (as appropriate to the object) through hole in label.
- Tie tape loosely round the 'hole', 'handle' or 'neck' of the object using a reef knot or by looping it round and through itself.
For detailed information about the tools and materials used in this section, refer to the section on Assembling a Labelling and Marking Kit.
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