Starch Paste

Starch Paste

Definition

Starch Paste is a water-based adhesive made from natural starches such as wheat or rice. It is widely used in conservation framing due to its reversible nature, making it ideal for hinging delicate or valuable artworks without causing long-term damage.

Purpose

• Provides a gentle, archival-safe method for attaching artwork to mats or backing boards.
• Maintains the integrity of paper-based artworks over time.
• Enables removability and reversibility, critical in museum or conservation settings.

Application Techniques

• Applied sparingly with a brush or spatula to avoid warping or excess moisture absorption.
• Used in conjunction with Japanese Paper for hinging corners or edges.
• Compatible with S-Hinge and Book Hinging Tape techniques for secure, reversible mounting.

Considerations

• Always test on a small area to ensure no discoloration or paper distortion occurs.
• Should be stored and prepared fresh to prevent microbial growth.
• Works best on clean, dry surfaces free of oils, dirt, or coatings.

Related Terms

• Japanese Paper
• S Hinge
• Wheat Starch Paste
• Book Hinging Tape