GLOSSARY

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V

vapour phase inhibitor

A form of corrosion inhibitor consisting of stable organic chemicals, often coated onto paper or board, that is placed in containers housing metal objects. The chemicals slowly evaporate, preventing air reaching the articles enclosed in the packaging and so preventing corrosion.

varnish

For paintings, the removable, outer, protective layer which enhances the appearance of a painting. The varnish may be removed and replaced several times in the life of the painting.

For furniture and wooden objects, the transparent surface coating which is applied as a liquid and then changes to a hard solid. All varnishes are solutions of resinous materials in a solvent.

vegetable tanned

Tanned using compounds called tannins which are derived from plants. Traditionally, leathers used for binding books were vegetable tanned. They are highly susceptible to red rot. See also Tanning; Mineral tanned.

Velcro

A type of tape used as a fastening, comprising two strips of fabric, one with a dense arrangement of small Nylon hooks and the other with a Nylon pile. When the strips are pressed together one hooks into the other sufficiently firmly to hold the fastening together-this is a trademark/brand name.

vellum

See Parchment and vellum.

visible spectrum

Those frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum to which the human eye is visually sensitive; radiation that is perceived as light.