| Holes
and tears can be repaired with patches and strips of high-quality,
long-fibered repair paper which is strong, yet unobtrusive. |
 |
| Scratches
and insect damage to the surface of an artwork or photograph
can be filled in with stable artist's media to restore the image.
Generally, such repairs are done on an clear isolating layer that
separates the newly added media. At a normal viewing distance such
infills are often undetectable. |
| A
paper artwork which is mounted to an old, brittle board can
be removed to protect it from the damaging acids in the board and
from splitting when the brittle backing breaks. |
| Stains
from old tape can be reduced, and old, failed repairs
can be replaced with high-quality, long-fibered repair paper and specially-prepared
pastes. |
|
Even delicate drawings and watercolor paintings as well as prints
and maps can be carefully washed to reduce certain types of stains
and paper discoloration, improving the tonal balance of the
image. Other benefits to controlled washing are the reduction or neutralization
of acids in the paper, and improved paper strength. |
| Some
foxing stains (small brown spots) and most mat burn
(dark lines where the edge of an acidic window mat touched the paper)
can be reduced. |
| Surface
cleaning with conservator's cleaning materials can reduce dirt
from the environment and insect activity. If
left on the surface, foreign matter can chemically react with the
media or paper, as well as attract moisture and biological activity
in the form of mold growth or insects. |
|
Mold
can be neutralized and reduced, preventing further weakening of
the object while greatly improving its appearance and reducing the
risk of contamination to other items in your collection.
|
