Vinegar Syndrome, What is it, and why should I care?

 

^{Before and after images of a cel affected by Vinegar syndrome. Cel is from She-Ra: Princess of Power which was made in the 1980's.}

Vinegar Syndrome is something every animation art collector should be aware of. Vinegar Syndrome is when the materials that cels are made of begin to chemically break down eventually releasing a distinct smell of Vinegar. Unfortunately animation cels by their very nature are not made to last. When originally made cels were just part of the animation process and were not made with the idea that they would be kept forever. In fact many studios would throw away cels or even chemically "wash" cels and reuse them. Cels only needed to last enough to be filmed. As such, the materials that cels are made with are volatile and not archival by any means. However, with proper care and prevention it is possible to prolong the lifespans of animation art. 

SIGNS OF VINEGAR SYNDROME / CEL DETERIORATION

• vinegar smell ( it can be faint or very strong)
• warping / ripples of the acetate surface
• "oily" liquid, usually present between stuck cel layers

^{Examples of cels exhibiting varying amounts cel warping. These cels date from the 1970's - 80's}

^{Examples of cels with severe vinegar syndrome damage.}

It is very important to note that Vinegar Syndrome is CONTAGIOUS. Any cels showing signs of Vinegar Syndrome should be immediately isolated from any other cels. Unfortunately it is not currently known how to stop Vinegar Syndrome once it sets in. Proper care and prevention can reduce the likelihood of Vinegar Syndrome from occurring.