Wheat starch paste is widely used as an adhesive and size in bookbinding and conservation because it is long lasting, strong, reversible and non-yellowing. After making wheat starch paste, it is generally strained, thinned, aged, or otherwise worked to give it the appropriate working qualities for the task at hand. A horsehair (or other non-metalic, ie. silk screen fabric) strainer is commonly used, however the technique below is quick, easy, fun and impressive. It results in a paste suitable for many bookbinding and book conservation purposes.
TWIST AND SQUEEZE: AN EASY WAY TO STRAIN WHEAT STARCH PASTE
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OBSERVATIONS:
-Use an undyed, unbleached, natural fiber square of cloth that does not shed fibers.
-The cloth can be prewetted, to various degrees, to alter the final consistency of the paste.
-Rinse and clean the cloth immediately after use.
-Note the use of the thumb during the final squeeze.
–Caution: Too vigorous a twisting and squeezing motion can cause the paste to fly out, in equal proportions, into your eye and onto the floor.
-I imagine different weave tightness or thread counts could change affect the consistency of the paste.
-The main drawback of this technique is that it is best suited for small quantities of paste.
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Thanks to Clare Manias, Rare Book Conservator of the Museum of Biblical Art for sharing this tip.
We used this handy trick when I was volunteering at the Ransom Center. I think that we used a fine polyester mesh in the place of the cloth. Easier to clean and longer lasting perhaps.