[QuadList] Video Tape Baking

[John Walko]

Chris:

I am sure others will chime in.

 

Why.to help overcome stickiness and shedding on oxide tapes (both video and
audio).  Tapes shed because the binder interacts w/ humidity in the
environment.  This interaction causes the longer polyurethane chains to
break down into shorter, more stable urethane chains.  Unfortunately, in the
process, the binder becomes "gummy" or sticky.  Placing the tape into a warm
and very dry (less than 3% RH) environment helps reverse this process.

 

How.by gently warming the tape for an extended period of time.  Baking is
somewhat of a misnomer.you don't actually bake the tape in the standard
sense of the word.  You warm it and dry it.  Generally, this is done at less
than 130 degrees F.  I've heard horror stories of people literally baking
tapes in a conventional oven.  This doesn't work because conventional ovens
are too hot and will melt plastics.

 

Advantages.it is one weapon in your restoration arsenal to return oxide
tapes to playable condition.

 

Disadvantages.you need to know what you are doing.  If the tape is
experiencing binder adhesion failure, baking won't work and will actually
make the problem worse.

 

Only on Quad tape.no.it works for oxide based tapes, both video and audio.
Length of time in the process is somewhat determined by the size of the tape
you are working on.

 

If this is something you are not familiar with, I strongly suggest you don't
undertake it without additional guidance.

 

Hope this helps.

 

John Walko

Media Archive Manager

Scene Savers

www.scenesavers.com

800-978-3445

 

From: quadlist-bounces at quadvideotapegroup.com
[mailto:quadlist-bounces at quadvideotapegroup.com] On Behalf Of
Chill315 at aol.com
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 8:19 AM
To: quadlist at quadvideotapegroup.com
Subject: [QuadList] Video Tape Baking

 

I have heard this mentioned several times.  I was wondering what this
procedure is.  

 

Why is it done?  

 

How do you do it?  

 

What are the advantages?  

 

What are the disadvantages?

 

Do you do this only on quad tape?  

 

Is there an issue with plastic on other formats?  

 

Chris Hill

WA8IGN



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