Presents results concerning testing of some synthetic polymers (cellulose ethers, polyacryl, polyvinyl alcohol) as temporary protection of records during conservation; as adhesives for use in paper conservation; and to strengthen paper after the conservation treatment. To evaluate the properties correctly, different types of paper (industrially made acid and neutral paper and old and new handmade paper) were tested before conservation, after conservation (deacidification, bleaching with H 2</sub>O 2</sub> and KMnO 4</sub>), and after strengthening with cellulose ethers.