Formation Aid Use to Create Smooth, Even, and Consistent Pulp for Leaf Casting - Part 2/2

[@doncarter9467]

Thanks Professor for this. Your uploads provide great information. I would love to see your method for forming and bending the spine where it has been leaf cast.

[@peteralachi3888]

Thank you Don, appreciate it very much.

[@peteralachi3888]

I will definitely show the spine shaping in a future upload. Thanks Don!

[@jerrythejitterbugcomicbook4098]

Bravo Peter. What a wonderful upload. Also appreciate the shoutout my friend. The press definitely looks like it will get the job done! Congratulations!

[@peteralachi3888]

Thank you Jerry! Appreciate you stopping by, my friend. The press does exactly what you say, it flattens the wraps so beautifully and the Hydrogen bonding is even better with it. Been busy at school these last couple of weeks and haven’t worked on any new books. I have a few waiting on my desk!

[@DrPaulKosnik]

Professor, This is the Way! As we have been discussing, the info is all there in the conservation literature for anyone to read, but as far as i can tell has not been applied to comic book conservation broadly. Thank you for turning our conversations into content and getting this information out there! As you know, i am building my leaf casting tool kit and formation aid and sizing are critical to a best-practices leaf cast, as is the selection and preparation of the pulp. Lastly, adding the correct amount of pulp, as you alluded to at the end of the video, in a measured amount that exactly replaces what was lost is standard practice among the library sciences and museum conservation professionals. Best practices for comic book conservation should reflect this and then solves the problem of the thicker pages when you need to cast the entire spine of the book. Thank you again for inspiring and educating!

[@peteralachi3888]

Agreed Dr Paul, and thank you! Formation aid is one of those additives that gives the paper sheets a more even and consistent appearance. It also makes dispensing the pulp easier although too much of it can be problematic. And true, little is available on its use in leaf casting on KZbin - astonishing. Maybe some use it but aren’t on KZbin. Ceratinly washi paper makers use it and I watched some of their videos to learn but that isn’t leaf casting - it’s very much related to leaf casting and what we do though so a good education in paper making is really helpful. Wish I have more time to devote to that. I’m trying the couching method but transferring the pulp after couching isn’t easy. As for sizing, honestly I never did add it prior to this year - but agree that it’s needed and I’ve been adding it. It does make a difference even when the Abaca is already sized. Water washes some of it away so it’s needed. And yes, I have been playing with the math of pulp and how much is needed for various spot. Not easy and frankly not an exact science much of the time but pretty close and better than estimating. But it’s the delivery mechanism of the pulp that has set me back - I mentioned couching as a method of transfer but that also has its own intricacies that need to be worked out. Having a leaf casting machine is ultimately the way… but let’s see if we can come close. Thank you again and thank you for all you do for the hobby and for getting us consistent best conservation practices. The right path …

[@egarr791]

Great information Professor. Is there a website you recommend for conservation materials?

[@peteralachi3888]

Yes, there are several, TALAS online, Museumservices, and the CarriageHouse are my 3 goto and Amazon, of course. The press is VEVO press from Amazon.

[@egarr791]

@@peteralachi3888thank you for the sources. The formation aid is night and day compared to just blending the paper. Although blending works well, formation aid really gives it a smooth look in the end product.

[@peteralachi3888]

That is true. That’s the intent of the product so keep that in mind when using it and adjust the amount as need be.