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Author Topic: Restoring Paper Label on Antique Bulb  (Read 13357 times)

Offline PCris

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  • Posts: 22
Restoring Paper Label on Antique Bulb
« on: April 17, 2014, 12:45:03 pm »
Perhaps one of you may have a suggestion for the following problem.

I have an 1890's mint-condition bulb complete with original paper label which has now fallen off the bulb. The label itself is in perfect condition: no tears, etc. It's just no longer adhering to the glass envelope.

One might think it merely a question of gluing it back on. I suppose maybe it is, IF one knows what they are doing.

I would like to restore this without ruining the label or having it look like a tacky repair.

I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts & suggestions about how best to accomplish this, what adhesive might work, that sort of thing. I'm guessing someone, if not many, have done this before. Please let me know if you have.

Many thanks!

PCris

Offline dfenner2

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Re: Restoring Paper Label on Antique Bulb
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2014, 02:05:09 pm »
pchris,
If you are not planning on using the bulb you can use contact cement.  They also make a high heat contact cement.  That would not leave a mess.  Just carefully put the cement on the back of the label wait till it gets tacky and stick it back on.  I have done this with good results, but others on the forum may have a better idea.  You can find the high heat cement at any appliance parts store. It is made to glue felt on a dryer drum.
Dan
« Last Edit: April 17, 2014, 03:46:54 pm by dfenner2 »

Offline FRANCO.M

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Re: Restoring Paper Label on Antique Bulb
« Reply #2 on: April 17, 2014, 03:55:57 pm »
Hello.
I have used, to adhering paper label at some radio tube, fish glue.
It was used to adhering postcard stamp.
But pay attention, paper will be light yellow.

FRANCO.

Offline PCris

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  • Posts: 22
Re: Restoring Paper Label on Antique Bulb
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2014, 10:13:40 am »
Dan & Franco,

Thank you very much for taking time to reply!

These are very helpful suggestions and have given me the courage to go ahead and restore the label to the glass envelope. I ended up using the contact cement solution as I already had some available and the results turned out very nicely. As it is, I do not light up this bulb, so heat is not an issue, but knowing of the heat resistant cement is useful should that situation ever arise.

Again, thanks!

Regards,

PCris