Marvelseal
Description
[Ludlow Corporation] A registered trademark for a Barrier material made from multiple film layers laminated together. Marvelseal is made with Aluminum foil sandwiched between Nylon and Polyethylene forming a strong, waterproof, vaporproof, and flexible film. Originally made for military applications, Marvelseal 360 found its way into museums and for use sealing wooden packing crates, display cases, and storage shelves since 1980. It has also been used to create air-tight sealed enclosures for pest eradication. Paint does not adhere to Marvelseal very well but the surface can be covered with fabric or Dibond. A foil back sealing tape is available to cover staples and pin holes.
Synonyms and Related Terms
FR 2175 (formerly Marvelseal 470); Marvelseal 585; Marvelseal 1311; Marvelseal 1312; Foil o wrap
Applications
- Lining shelves and display cases to minimize off-gassing of wood products
- Create anoxic pouches for pest eradication or long-term storage
- Form protective shipping and storage bags
- Create sealed framing packages
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Tradenames | Description * Layer composition |
Thickness (Mils) | Water-vapor transmission (WVTR) gm/m2 per 24 hours |
Oxygen transmission (O2TR) cc/m2 per 24 hours |
Breaking Strength Tensile (psi) |
Puncture resistance (lbs) |
Recorded tests Brand name: number (dates) See note below. |
Data sheet and SDS links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvelseal 360 | Superior tear and puncture resistance from air, light, and moisture; approved for direct food contact * Layer 1: Biaxially Oriented Nylon, 0.6 mil * Layer 2: Polyethylene (PE), 1.4 mil * Layer 3: Aluminum foil, 0.0003 mil * Layer 4: Polyethylene, 1.2 mil * Layer 5: Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), 1.5 mil |
4.6 - 5.2 | 0.0006 - 0.009 (90% RH, 100°F) | 0.009 (@ 0 RH, 73°F) | 27 | 17 | * 360: 1 (2018) | * Data sheet 1 * Data Sheet 2 * Data sheet 3 * SDS |
| PR 2175 formerly Marvelseal 470 |
Superior tear and puncture resistance as well as protection from air, light, and moisture vapor; more easily sealed than 360 but less resistant to puncture * Layer 1: PP, 0.9 mil * Layer 2:PE, 0.65 mil * Layer 3: Foil, 0.000285 mil * Layer 4: PE, 0.65 mil * Layer 5: LLDPE, 2.8 mil |
5.0 | 0.0005 - 0.009 (90% RH, 100°F) | 0.009 (0 RH, 73°F) | 29 | 18 | * 470: 1 (2019) | * Data sheet |
| Marvelseal 585 | Superior tear and puncture resistance from air, light, and moisture; approved for direct food contact * Tyvek/[Polyethylene|PE]/Foil/PE |
8.5 | <0.01 | 40 | 25 | * n/a | * Data sheet | |
| Marvelseal 1311B | Provides superior tear and puncture resistance as well as protection from light, air, and moisture vapor * Scrim/[Polyethylene|PE]/Foil/PE |
12 | <0.01 | 35 | 32.8 | * n/a | * Data sheet | |
| Marvelseal 1312 | Recommended for materials that are susceptible to damage by corrosion * Kraft paper/[Polyethylene|PE]/Foil/PE |
7.7 | 0.008 | 27 | -- | * n/a | * Data sheet |
Note: The AIC Materials Testing Results page provides information on Oddy tests that were completed on these materials. Access their database, then use the search box to locate material of interest.
Working Properties
- Resistance to grease and oils is good and the dimensional stability at high percent RH is good.
- Heat seals at 350-375°F. Maximum temperature recommended for use is 400°F.
Forms/Sizes
- The film is sold in rolls either 36" or 48" in width and lengths up to 200 yds.
- Also available as premade pouches in sizes (in.) 9x12, 12x16 and 17x22.
Application Video
This video demonstrates the application of Marvelseal 360 onto wood with a household iron.
Video: click here. Credit: 2015 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The heat from the iron seals the Marvelseal to the wood and provides a vapor barrier. Application works best with iron set at highest heat level. Keep iron moving otherwise it will get stuck on the Marvelseal and tear it. For best results, the entire piece of wood must be completely covered with Marvelseal. If the Marvelseal tears, simply cut a small piece of Marvelseal and iron it onto the torn spot.
Resources and Citations
- Rachael Perkins Arenstein, Lisa Goldberg, and Eugenie Milroy, ‘Support and Rehousing for Collection Storage’ In ‘Preventive Conservation: Collection Storage’ Lisa Elkin and Christopher A. Norris (eds.), Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections, New York. 2019.
- Preparation, Art Handling, Collections Care Information Network (PACCIN)
- Conservation Support Systems Website: https://conservationsupportsystems.com/product/show/marvelseal-360-barrier/barrier-films
- Gaylord Archival Website: https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Conservation-Supplies/Wrapping,-Lining-&-Support-Materials/Marvelseal&%23174;-360-Barrier-Film-(50-ft-)/p/M3650
- Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002
- Conservation Support Systems, Catalog, 1997
- Teri Hensick, contributed information, 1998
- SPNCH at www.spnchorg.concom/supplies_cdn.htm (accessed 3/17/04) - lists Marvelseal 470 as polypropylene / polyethylene / aluminum / polypropylene