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

 

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

Vinegar Syndrome is something every animation art collector should be aware of. Vinegar SyndromeIt is whena condition where the materialscellulose thatnitrate/acetate the cels are made of beginbegins to chemically break down eventuallydown, releasing athe distinct smell of Vinegar.vinegar.

Unfortunately

Unfortunately, animation cels by their very nature arewere 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 When originally made cels were just part of the animation process and were not made with the idea that they would be kept forever.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 manyMany studios would throw awaydiscard cels once production was complete, or evenwash chemicallythe "wash"paint celsoff andof reusethem them.to be reused. Cels only needed to last enough to be filmed.filmed, Aswere such,never themeant materialsto thatbe celsarchived, and are made with are volatile and not archivalchemically by any means.stable. However, with proper care and prevention it is possible to prolong the lifespanslifespan of animation art. 

SIGNS OF VINEGAR SYNDROME / CEL DETERIORATION

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

It is very important to note that Vinegar Syndrome is CONTAGIOUS. Any cels showing signs of Vinegar Syndrome should be immediately isolated from other cels. Unfortunately, it is not currently known how to stop Vinegar Syndrome once it sets in.

^{Examples of cels exhibiting varying amounts cel warping.warping/rippling, Theseindicative celsof datevinegar from the 1970's - 80'ssyndrome.}

^{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.