Removing Plastic Film from a Book Cover

[StefanM]

Good job!

[DrPMC]

For future reference, I should add that a professional conservator who I also contacted stresses that the caution should be exercised when using the hair dryer for this task, as it is harder to control the heat and that it should NEVER be used with leather or parchment or vellum.

Her recommended technique is as follows:

'Use an iron set on its lowest setting and a tea towel. Place the tea towel over the tape and then with light pressure move the iron over the tape for about 5 seconds. With a pallet knife or other thin bladed blunt item such as a microspatula, try to lift the tape. If the tape does not lift easily, try to leave the heat on a little longer and try again. If you have to leave the iron on for too long, turn the heat up just a bit. You will need to experiment with dwell time and the temperature (do not go too hot or you can damage the book cloth) a bit to find the right combination so that the adhesive softens and you can get the carrier off without damage.'

Regards, Philip