Hello everyone,

I'm posting this question for a friend of mine regarding the fading/use of Orasol dyes previously used for painting and taxidermy.  Any ideas?   If you respond to the groug, please also include Beth's email, [log in to unmask] or contact her directly.

Many thanks,

Susan Heald
Textile Conservator
National Museum of the American Indian
Cultural Resources Center
4220 Silver Hill Rd.
Suitland, MD 20746- 2863
301-238-1419

-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Nunan [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2011 12:39 PM
To: Heald, Susan
Subject: Orasol dyes on proteinaceous substrates

I have a question for you regarding Orasol dyes. I am currently working on
a major project here at the American Museum of Natural History that
involves the renovation of the Hall of North American Mammals dioramas. In
addition to relamping, we will be working on the paintings and taxidermy
specimens. We are discussing recoloring some of the specimens as they have
become so light bleached from 50+ years of continuous lighted exhibit as
to be scientifically inaccurate.

We are looking into using Orasol dyes for the recoloring, but we are
having difficulty finding references for their use on proteinaceous
substrates (i.e. hair and fur). I recall reading about their use in
textile conservation, so I was hoping you might be able to direct me to
any resources re: lightfastness testing on wool or silk textiles?

I was able to get the original manufacturer (BASF/Ciba-Geigy)
lightfastness testing but it was conducted with standards for the dyes
used as printing inks and so incorporates a binder, which I am concerned
may change the lightfastness results.

Any help you can send me would be great, and if you would be willing to
post on the Textile Specialty Group distlist that would also be extremely
helpful! Replies could be sent to me off-list at this email address.


Thanks for your help!

Beth
---
Elizabeth Nunan
Assistant Conservator
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park and 79th St
New York, NY 10024
(212) 313-7532