BEVA® GEL is an aqueous dispersion of ethylene vinyl acetate and acrylic resins in a solution of watersoluble
cellulosic material (a variation of the special adhesive used to line the Atlanta Cyclorama).

Reversibility

After prolonged accelerated aging tests, BEVA® Gel remained partially soluble in water, isopropyl alcohol,
and toluene. It can be softened for removal with any or all of the above solvents, or at the temperature of
150°F (66°C), if and when removal is necessary. However, because of the high-molecular weight of the
BEVA® Gel components, this process would take a long time. Therefore, it is recommended to separate
coatings of BEVA® Gel from any surface which requires reversibility by using an isolating layer of BEVA®
371 Solution or BEVA® 371 Film.

BEVA® Gel can be used in every application where BEVA-D-8 has been used before. It has better adhesion
to many substrates.

BEVA® Gel stays removable with water from any surface for weeks after application, including brushes and
rollers used to apply it. This facilitates clean-up.

BEVA® Gel develops tack rapidly when applied to porous or absorbent surfaces.

The following procedure is recommended when using BEVA® Gel as a contact adhesive:
1. Prepare the surfaces about to be adhered to make them as smooth and clean as possible.
2. Prime the reverse of the painting to be adhered with an isolating coat of BEVA® 371 Solution about 2-3
hours prior to application of BEVA® Gel.
3. Mark the outline of the painting on the new support (make register marks).
4. Coat the new support with a heavy layer of BEVA® Gel, and let it dry until tacky (30-60 minutes),
depending on the temperature and R.H.
5. Place painting between the register marks and apply light pressure over all of its surface, using tampons,
soft rollers, vacuum, or other means, as the case may require.
6. Let the laminate dry for at least 48 hours in a horizontal position. Page 2 of 2

Heat-activation of BEVA® GEL

BEVA® Gel can be heat-activated at 150-160°F (66-70°C) during or after drying. This enables the
conservator or correct loose areas which might develop.
Because BEVA® Gel is thixotropic, i.e. it does not run when left alone even on vertical surfaces. This quality
is useful when consolidating loose areas (blisters) on murals. The possibility of reactivating BEVA® Gel by
heat is very useful in this application.
The aqueous vehicle of BEVA® Gel recommends its use for large paintings and murals which are often
treated in locations without adequate ventilation.
BEVA® Gel coatings which have dried can be reactivated by brushing or spraying with water, isopropyl
alcohol, or mixtures of both.
For reactivation, it is recommended to cover the moistened area for a few hours with Mylar to assure even
distribution of the softening agent.
BEVA® Gel and BEVA® 371 have excellent adhesion to each other.

Caution
To assure easy reversibility of any laminating adhesive, use BEVA® 371 as a separating layer.