Zapon-Lack - For information

[Isaac OLEG]

Hello,

I just discover that the Zapon-Lack,, the lacquer used on hammers many
times, is in fact from origin an US product.

It had many uses for clothing and to protect military documents from the
water.

Actually often find as a lacquer for brass. Dilution acetone, or diluents
cellulose.

Regards.

Isaac OLEG

Zapon-Lack
[Dulux] German brand name for a cellulose nitrate varnish in an amyl acetate
solvent mixture. Zapon lacquer was originally sold as a varnish for polished
metals parts. It was used for a short time from in the early 20th century as
an isolating varnish for paintings, however it was found to turn yellow with
age (Doerner 1934). Zapon was also unsuccessfully used as a consolidant for
manuscripts degraded by iron gall inks (Reissland 2000).

 Synonyms:
Zapon lacquer; cellulose nitrate

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Impregnation using "Zapon" (method used by the end of 19 c. - beginning of
20 c.)
This process was developed by Dr. Schill, a medical officer from Dresden, to
enable personnel in the armed forces to read maps outside - even in the rain
(Posse 1899: 15). Posse introduced this process to the participants of the
St. Gallens conference. During a subsequent conference for German archivists
(Dresden, 1899), he gave a practical demonstration of the process. Zapon, a
cellulose nitrate (possibly with camphor added as a plasticizer) was
dissolved in acetone and a colorless liquid was formed. Its viscosity was
adjusted by addition of solvent. The solution was applied to the degraded
papers by immersion, spray or by brush. The impregnated papers were dried on
grids. Already 1909 the "Königliches Materialprüfungsamt Berlin" warned that
papers treated in this manner are highly flammable. Furthermore it was
stated, that decomposition of Zapon affects the paper support, causing the
progressive yellowing noticed in those days. Substitution of Zapon by a less
flammable cellulose acetate ("Cellit") was suggested.
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