Posts: 146
From: Montreal, QC
Registered: Jan 2011
posted May 12, 2012 01:52 AM
I know this has been debated before and I've looked up numerous articles but no one can seem to agree which is best. My entire collection has been cleaned and lubed with FilmGuard, which some articles say is useful for theaters but shouldn't be used for collections that will be viewed less and stored over long periods of time. Some sources say FilmRenew is a good product for warp and baggy films, but can cause "blotches" if not properly treated. I have a headache trying to figure out which is the best choice for me, so my first question is: are said "blotches" the same as putting on too much treatment that can be wiped off later or are these permanent? Will FilmRenew make my splice tape fall off? And finally, since they are different treatments with different ingredients (they're even different colors) will there be an issue if I ever have to use FilmRenew on a print that was once treated with FilmGuard? Thanks and time to take my meds!
Posts: 529
From: Charleston, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2005
posted May 12, 2012 02:10 AM
Soaking a print in FilmRenew can cause tape splices to fail; normal cleaning will not. Blotches occur from improper drying. So you project the film after cleaning to utilize the heat of the projection lamp. If was applied heavily, then you use a dry cloth to remove excess. Lastly, FilmGuard leaves a slick coating on the print for a very long time. You would need to use a straight cleaner without lubricants first to remove it then apply FilmRenew. Remember, they both have their uses but while there is an overlap, they do not mix well unless applied appropriately. Always use only the amount that is necessary for results.
-------------------- Movie Lovers Do It in the Dark
Posts: 3063
From: Gt. Clifton,Cumbria,England
Registered: Jan 2012
posted May 12, 2012 05:10 AM
I have never used Filmguard,but can testify on the use of Filmrenew which is a VERY gentle film trearment.It does "exactly what it says on the tin"to quote an advert over here,but it does say in the guidelines that it can have an effect on tape splices and plastic spools,so at least the manufacturer is letting you know. Don't pay any attention to what the professionals use as they have a different outlook on film to what you the collector has. If you need proof of this I suggest you visit Bill Brandesteins' excellent post on "35mm in Cinemas".Back to Filmrenew, even if over applied won't harm your film,you can soak your film for weeks (which I have done) and no harm to film.
Posts: 4554
From: New York, NY, USA
Registered: Jun 2003
posted May 12, 2012 09:38 AM
I've used both. I've never seen any problem with blotches from Filmrenew, nor had any problems with FilmGuard treated films that sit on the shelf for years. I've applied FilmGuard (which I prefer, because of its lubrication properties) to some of my older prints I had previously cleaned with Filmrenew and all went well. Never tried the reverse.
Doug
-------------------- I think there's room for just one more film.....
Posts: 529
From: Charleston, SC, USA
Registered: Aug 2005
posted May 12, 2012 12:36 PM
Bryan, neither cleaner will stop VS. Cleaning a print with it will remove accumulated acid. Soaking is to remove curl though results vary. Both have their uses as well as pure camphor.
-------------------- Movie Lovers Do It in the Dark
Posts: 3063
From: Gt. Clifton,Cumbria,England
Registered: Jan 2012
posted May 12, 2012 01:50 PM
Hello Bryan.the reason of soaking a short film was just to test the claims that it was gentle to film,which I can say it is.Regarding VS there are sachets you can place in with the film which are supposed to alleviate the problem.
Posts: 1535
From: Long Beach, CA USA
Registered: Dec 2008
posted May 13, 2012 12:45 AM
Hugh, just to clarify, the small molecular sieves of which you speak do not "cure" the VS they are merely designed to slow the process. but to reiterate what others have said both cleaners have there benefits and I too use both on different occasions.
-------------------- "You're too Far Out Miss Lawrence"