Film Guard usage advice needed

[David Pringle]

I have recently bought some Film Guard. I don't have a fancy cleaning device so I will be using a soft cloth.
What speed should I wind the film through the cloth? How often should I re-apply the cleaner to the cloth for a 1600' reel? Do I need to rewind the film through a clean cloth after application?

[Douglas Meltzer]

David,

I use a pair of rewinds and apply Filmguard holding a small cloth folded over the film. I don't wind too quickly to make sure the film makes even contact with the cloth. I check the cloth every so often to see how dirty it gets. If it's clean, I'll give it a light spray and continue on. Otherwise, it's time to change the cloth out. Remember to use Filmguard sparingly...it's tempting to apply too much. If I'm showing the film to an audience immediately, I'll rewind through a clean cloth but I apply very little pressure.

[David Pringle]

Thanks Douglas. How many times would you respray the cloth when winding 1600'? I realise this is dependent on how dirty the film is. I don't want to use to much. It's expensive !

[Douglas Meltzer]

David,

It does depend on the state of the film. Could be 5 or 6 light sprays total. You'll feel it if the cloth runs dry during the process.

[Oliver Feld]

David, Douglas: can one of You be so kind and take a photo of the cloth? I don’t know, which cloth could be the perfect one.
Or maybe You can send me a link where I can find a perfect cloth…?
Thank You very much in advance.

[David Pringle]

Oliver, I am using cotton cloths cut from white T-shirts and pillow cases. Hopefully these are suitable. I am sure Douglas can confirm.

[Douglas Meltzer]

Oliver,

I have used cut up T-shirts in the past, which are fine. Lately I've been using these 4" square cloths that were purchased from Steve Osborne's The Reel Image:



On Steve's website, you'll find Filmguard application notes. He's also listing TexWipe cloths for sale, 40 4"x4" for $4.99. I cut mine into pieces that are about 1" wide.

[Oliver Feld]

Great informations of both of You.
Thank You very much!
And Douglas: Thank You for pics. This helps very much!!!!!
I will try to find some of these.
📽️✨ Regards, Oliver