Thread: What's the best way to seal a label on an old hone?

I'd like to hear from those that have sealed labels on their old hones.
What did you use as sealant?
How did you apply?
What is your long term result?
What state was the label in when you sealed it?
Any other pertinent information needed?
Of course pics. of your results would be a plus

I've got a few real nice old hones, e.g. Escher, with labels in various states. I am thinking of doing this but don't want to use the wrong sealant, cause any damage or lose any labels.

Thanks for any input.

Pete <:-}

I used 3 coats of this at least 5 years ago and have never had any issues with multiple different surfaces

Thanks Glen. 5 years is a great benchmark for comparison. I've heard of everything from clear fingernail polish to urethane. I just dont want any labels to disintegrate, bleed or fall off.

Pete <:-}

I've used this product for other applications and it is very good stuff. (Decals on wood).

I bought an Escher on eBay that had the label sealed with clear nail polish. It looked like crap, had cracked around the edges of the hone, and was loose in several places. Definitely a poor choice.

I have used semigloss poly urethane varnish on mine when I did a couple a few years back. Did a couple for others. Take photos of the labels with a preferably noticeable feature of the, ie. a nick or chipped edge or scratch pattern on the side.
That can save hassle at trade time.
YMMV
~Richard

I have done two. One with CA, and I just slathered it on and let it dry, and that has been kicking around the hone bench for awhile. My HGH stamps I used lacquer on as well one paper label. I did try to seal and HGH stamp with shellac with poor results due to the fact that most inks are dissolved with alcohol and shellac is suspended in aclcohol.

I have been trying to find the article, but someone wrote about issues with older paper being laminated for archiving historical documents.

The problem they found was that the acid in the paper wasn't able to dissipate in air and caused yellowing and degradation of the document, at a faster rate than non-laminated documents. From what I understand, it's similar cell rot in a sealed environment.

It was popular in the '70's, so many documents took 15ish years to show this issue. I know its a long time, but if we want several generations down the road to see an Escher label...

I use this from the local hardware store and a clip on spray handle. Makes it more like a spraygun. I use painters tap and tape off anything I don't want it on and just use light sweeping sprays. A few layers and you are done. Just let it dry between layers and don't spray too much so it won't run and it comes out nice for me.

Originally Posted by rideon66

I use this from the local hardware store and a clip on spray handle. Makes it more like a spraygun. I use painters tap and tape off anything I don't want it on and just use light sweeping sprays. A few layers and you are done. Just let it dry between layers and don't spray too much so it won't run and it comes out nice for me.

I like this idea thanks for sharing. Does it chip or peel off?


Enjoy the day,
Benson