Encapsulation

Encapsulation, as the term itself implies, generally refers to the action of encasing an object inside another outer "shell", or "capsule". In the specific context of preventive conservation, encapsulation refers to the insertion of flat paper-based artefacts (e.g. photos, documents, postcards) within an archival polyester (Mylar®) envelope, and then sealing 3 or 4 sides of the envelope.

This is distinct from the process of lamination, which it is sometimes confused with. When something is laminated, the outer enveloping layer is bonded to the surface of the object being laminated, thus rendering the process permanent and irreversible. The object cannot be "un-laminated". While lamination can be useful in some contexts (e.g. protection of daily-use, disposable items), this irreversible characteristic makes lamination unacceptable in current conservation practices.

On the other hand, an encapsulated object is actually "suspended" within the transparent protective envelope, and it can easily be removed by simply cutting open one or more sides of the envelope with a sharp blade.

(Last Updated:  13 June 2007)