I need to isolate copper plated steel tacks from an original canvas. I have considered coating them, but have come back around to the idea of a physical barrier (mylar, twill tape, or blotter), which is what we usually use in paintings conservation.  In this case, the physical barrier needs to be invisible, beneath the head of the tack, since the tacking edge will be on display.

I am considering using mylar dots made with a hole punch and then pressed onto the tack, but it occurred to me that sequins already have the hole in the center.  Are there sequins that textile conservators consider stable like mylar?  I am also interested in handheld sequin punchers, if they exist.  An internet search of crafting sites has not turned up such a device.  Ordinarily, we would use the mylar dots and simply make the holes, but I will need to prepare this barrier for thousands of tacks, thus the quest to streamline production!

Yadin Larochette

Owner of Larochette Textile Conservation LLC, and 

Conservation Consultant to Tru Vue for Latin America

5239 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 3, Culver City, CA 90230

Tel: (310) 808-7979