Print contaminant

Print contaminant refers to any foreign element that should not be present on a film print. Though many contaminants were introduced to facilitate and simplify film projection, they are not compatible with archival best practices. Print contaminants can potentially damage the print or projector components by introducing dirt or static.

Print contaminants include, but are not limited to:

• Mold
• Projector oil
• Foil cues
• Shoe polish
• Scotch tape
• Adhesive
• Staples
• Dirt 'n' general crud

Print contaminants should be removed to assure the long-term health of the print unless doing so would risk inflicting further damage.