Cleaning glue from 4x5 chromes

[jimrohrer]

Hello everyone,
I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on a problem I'm having. I've been doing some archiving for a client, an artist who has had a long and successful career. Much of her work was professionally photographed on 4x5 Ektachrome by the galleries. Then the films were acetate sleeved and mounted into 8x10 masks (for display) using gaffer's tape around the edges of the sleeves to hold them in place.

These films date back to the early '80s, and over the years the glue from the tape has leached into the sleeves making a sticky mess on the edges of the films.

Does anyone out there know a safe way to clean the glue from the edges of the films without causing damage? I was thinking something like denatured alcohol, but as these films are irreplaceable I'm hoping someone else had experience with this and can offer advice.
Thanks!
Jim

Ps. I'll be away from the computer most of the day, so if I don't respond right away that is why...

 

[AgX]

I would use non-polar organic solvents. I had good experiences with some types on removing of such glue residues.
But I did not use it on Ektachrome.

Fínd out best suitable solvent to remove the residue, then check for any affect it may have on the emulsion and base.

 

[bdial]

PEC-12 would be what I would try first, it's made specifically for film cleaning. They also make absorbent pads that don't scratch for applying (appropriately called "pec pads").
http://photosol.com/product/pec-12-4-oz/

You should be able to buy it off the shelf from a Hunts, not sure what shops might be closer for you.

 

[Newt_on_Swings]

Edwals film cleaner gets most stuck on gunk off, but it really stinks and you need good ventilation for it.

 

[jimrohrer]

Thanks for your replies, folks. Now I know there are at least 2 products out there that may be of use to me!
Best,
Jim

 

[AgX]

PEC-12 is most likely not the best solvent for such glue. But trying a cleaner proven to be not harmful to the film would be an alternative approach, contrary to mine.

 

[Dr Croubie]

I've used Pecpads and Pecsol on a lot of films without a problem, but not on gunky glue.
Always remember that the less active is the solvent the more active must be your elbow, and too much of either one will ruin it. There's a sweet spot somewhere in between, and the best (sometimes only) way to find it is with experimentation. Best start with one that's already too far ruined to save and test different things on different corners, see if you can find the sweet spot...