Metal strapping on blocks

[Robster]

Hi everyone. What do people use to simulate the steel strap on blocks?

 

[Bob Cleek]

It depends on the scale, of course. For larger scales, many use copper and blacken it with liver of sulfur. For smaller scales, the usual choice is shellacked acid-free paper strips painted black and glued to the block. While the shellac gives the paper greater strength, is is not really suitable for carrying the tension of the rig and is prone to tearing. Others use a strip of black plastic tape. The tape can be problematic because we have no idea of the archival qualities of the tape adhesive It won't do if it lets go in a few years.