Conserving a 36 Star U.S. Flag

Dear R.J.:

As a matter of fact, I can help.  The leading supplier of conservation textiles is TALAS.  Mr. Arron Salik of TALAS gave me permission to pass along some information about commonly used conservation materials:

Crepeline
A loosely woven, silk organdy imported from France, used as a backing support for fragile textiles. It is ideal for covering textiles in an exhibit as it becomes almost invisible.
 
Linen Canvas
Custom hand loomed in Belgium, 100% linen thread, this material is suitable for relining large paintings as well as small and can also be used for contemporary painting. (Note: used by some for flag backing..RRG)
 
Pe-Cap
Monofilament, polyester fabric noted for its high strength and dimensional stability. Most often used for relining and strip linings. These fabrics are highly translucent.
 
Polyester Screen Cloth (7-25S)
A precision woven synthetic monofilament cloth suitable for supporting documents and textiles in water baths, and for reinforcing fragile documents. Suitable for building drying screens.  (Note: See "Conserving America's Civil War Flags" for a description of de-ionized water cleaning of flags..RRG)
 
Stabiltex 4 (Terelene / Tetex)
These fabrics are imported from Switzerland and are used for reinforcing and backing fragile textiles: stronger and longer lasting than Crepeline. They have good resistance to ultraviolet radiation, decay, bacteria, acids and oxidizing agents, 100% polyester.  (Note: This is one of the most commonly used conservation fabrics..RRG)

For more information you can contact TALAS at:

TALAS
568 Broadway
New York, New York 10012
E-mail: info@talas-nyc.com
Phone:: 212-219-0770
Fax: 212-219-0735

Please keep in mind that NAVA can not endorse TALAS nor supply prices; however, we are very grateful to Mr. Salik for providing this information.

Richard R. Gideon