To provide a substrate suitable for evaluating the potential of various polymeric materials as consolidants and reinforcing agents for protecting fragile textiles, three techniques for artificially aging fabrics are examined: acid hydrolysis, heating, and irradiation with high-voltage electrons. A comparison of the weight, and fracture mechanics of the degraded fabrics with those of several pre-Columbian cottons indicated that none of the artificially aged fabrics duplicated the ancient samples in all properties. However, strength levels could be controlled to match those of archaeological cottons, and those degraded fabrics which were matched in strength loss were judged to be suitable substates for the initial resin reinforcing studies. See also AATA 15-389.