The Instructions to Use Movie Film Splicing Tape

Celluloid film is easy to splice.

Due to the volatility, impracticality and sheer size of celluloid film, most modern film archives keep their records primarily on videotape and digitally. However, for the purist and the nostalgic, there is nothing quite like a reel of film. Though celluloid -- especially old celluloid -- often breaks during handling, transferring and viewing, it is easily fixable with splicing tape. The seam may be noticeable during screening, but, as a true nostalgic would say, scars are part of the medium's character.

Things You'll Need

• Silicone cloth
• Splice block
• Splice tape
• Painters' tape
• Screwdriver or other tool with a rounded handle (optional)

Instructions

1. Wipe off the broken ends of the film with the silicone cloth.

2. Lay the broken film on the splice block, with the broken ends placed together and the sprockets looped over the pins on the block. Be sure that the size of the splice block corresponds to the size of the film that you are splicing together.

3. Place pieces of painter's tape on either end of the film (two or three inches from the break) to hold it to the splice block.

4. Peel the backing off one piece of splicing tape. Line the holes up with the pins on the block and press it down evenly (adhesive side down) across the break in the film.

5. Remove the painter's tape. Carefully lift up the film and turn it over. Slide the holes back over the pins in the block with the opposite side facing up. Replace the painter's tape where it was before.

6. Peel the backing off a second piece of splice tape, and press it down evenly across the break as in Step 4.

7. Carefully remove the film from the splice block. Press the tape down again with your fingers or the rounded end of a screwdriver or other tool.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are repairing a silent film, be sure to get splice tape with sprocket holes on both sides.

• Silicone cloth is available at gun supply stores as well as photography supply stores.

References

• Video Aids to Film Preservation: Splicing Broken 8mm With press tape and splice block