Foamboard surface paper specification

[S.Mole]

Hi, I am trying to find out the characteristics of the paper used for the surfaces of foamboard, in particular whether it is buffered-alkaline or neutral.

I am mounting silk embroidaries using unbuffered museum ragmat board (as alkaline materials touching the silk is of course a no no) but considering using foamboard as a sink mount where the edges of the paper would contact the silk. I could line the sink with the unbuffered board, but would prefer not to if there is no chemical / conservation reason to do it.

Any info on this would be much appreciated (giving the name and/or supplier of foamboard would help greatly).

[Roboframer]

Unbuffered mount board itself is difficult enough to find - no foam board comes with that option.

[S.Mole]

Thanks for your reply Roboframer.

I haven't found any foam board so far that gives any options for the paper covering - buffered or unbuffered, or type of cellulose. Just to be clear, in your experience are all foam boards buffered alkaline or just no options given?

Many thanks!

[Roboframer]

Here's a couple - http://www.crescent-europe.com/Produkt% ... 0c047.html

http://nielsenbainbridgegroup.com/content/foamboard

The artcare foam board has the microchamber/zeolite stuff in the surface papers, still alkaline though. I thought crescent or someone did one with cotton surface papers, can't find it though. The core of any of them doesn't meet the spec anyway.

[Not your average framer]

You could consider wrapping the edges of the foamboard with Mylar (Polyester), in particular the thinner rolls are easier to form neatly and quickly round tight edges. Mylar is chemically inert and has no harmful effect on art materials. In theory at least no polymer is a perfect barrier, because only metals,or glass form the perfect barrier, but Mylar is still pretty good in spite of that.

[S.Mole]

Many thanks for the info.

Will certainly follow up on the Mylar as it is so thin - thanks.

Also will continue search for neutral coated foam board - don't think the core itself should be a problem for aqueous issues as it is pretty hydrophobic I understand.

Thanks again and must say as a newcomer to this forum I am very impressed at the helpfulness of everyone

[Keith Hewitt]

Its always a good idea to ask the mfg.
They appreciate hearing from end users, particularly if they have a need for something not yet made.
Probably the best mfg is KAPA
Its made by 3acomposites at Osnabruck in Germany.
http://www.display.3acomposites.com/en/ ... -line.html

[S.Mole]

Thanks Keith - good link.

I have emailed a couple of manufacturers but have yet to get a reply - I'll persevere!