Paper Treatment Bibliography

Bibliography of Paper Treatments

General

Paper Conservation Catalog

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works

Book and Paper Group, Ninth Edition, 1994

This handbook describes and provides instructions for care and treatment of a wide variety of issues in paper conservation, including surface cleaning, tape removal, washing, humidification, mending, filling, and lining.

The Print Council of America Paper Sample Book (1996)

A guide for describing the weight, surface texture, and color of paper.

Arney, J. S. and L. B. Pollack

“The Retention of Organic Solvents in Paper”

JAIC 1980, Volume 19, Number 2, Article 2 (pp. 69 to 74)

Arney and Pollack studied whether paper objects treated with volatile organic solvents are susceptible to deleterious effects through aging or if the solvents evaporate fully. They conclude that most solvents do indeed volatilize, if given enough time.

Biggs, Julie L.

“A Simple Method for Tinting Repair Papers”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 19 (2000) (pp.105)

Instructions for tinting repair papers using an aerosol spray bottle.

Bruckle, Irene

“Update: Remoistenable Lining with Methyl Cellulose Adhesive Preparation”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 15 (1996)

Instructions for making remoistenable lining paper using methyl cellulose.

Homburger, Hildegard and Barbara Korbel

“Architectural Drawings on Transparent Paper: Modifications of Conservation” Treatments

The Book and Paper Group Annual 18 (1999) (pp. 25-34)

A treatment report on German architectural drawings that discusses the use of a “hard-soft” drying sandwich that utilizes Gore-tex and polypropylene fleece to gently flatten heavily creased or sensitive paper items.

Hunter, Dard

Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft

New York: Dover Publications, 1943

An important source for the history of paper and papermaking.

Kissel, Eleonore and Erin Vigneau.

Architectural Photoreproductions: A Manual for Identification and Care.

Oak Knoll Press/The New York Botanical Garden: New Castle, Delaware, 1999.

An accessible introduction to the identification and care for a variety of architectural reproduction types.

Smith, Merrily A., Norvell M. M. Jones, Susan L. Page, & Marian Peck Dirda

“Pressure-Sensitive Tape and Techniques for Its Removal from Paper”

JAIC 1984, Volume 23, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 101 to 113)

This paper outlines the history, life-cycle, and procedures for the removal of pressure-sensitive tapes. Some of the material is basic and other material is outdated, but it can serve as a starting point in the treatment of pressure-sensitive tape.

Verheyen, Peter, Carolyn Davis, and Debra Olson

“Storage of Architectural Materials at the Syracuse University Library”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 22 (2003), (pp. 131-136)

A description of the roll-in-roll storage method developed at Syracuse to meet a need for compact, scalable, economical, and archivally sound storage of architectural drawings.

Walsh, Judith, Moderator

“Evolution in Inpainting Discussion”

The Book and Paper Group Annual, 22 (2003), (pp. 105-107)

A brief history of inpainting techniques followed by a discussion of practice. It appears that conservators like to inpaint, but that the style and end product are client driven.

Dry Cleaning

Cowan, Janet

“Dry Methods for Surface Cleaning Paper”

Canadian Conservation Institute, Technical Bulletin No. 11, March 1986.

This article provides a thorough description of dry-cleaning basics, including reasons, materials, instructions, and media testing.

Moroz, Richard and Eva Roever.

“A New Approach to Systematic Dry Cleaning with Technical Devices”

Restaurator vol. 14, no. 3 1993, (pp. 172-187)

This article tested three different cleaning devices at a regional conservation lab in Germany, which served around 200 small libraries and cultural institutions and need to maximize efficiency while working on a variety of materials.

The Ecobra Electric Eraser #1 was found to work well on more delicate items.
The Ecobra Electric Eraser #2 could be used for heavier cleaning on stronger materials.
The micro-sandblaster with vinyl crumbs was effective on strong paper with heavy texture.

After selecting for appropriate materials, using these devices allowed for a quicker and more thorough cleaning than manual use of vinyl eraser crumbs. Furthermore, it was found that increased amounts of dirt could be removed if a two-week break between surface cleanings was taken to allow the dirt to loosen.

Pearlstein, E.J., D. Cabelli, A. King, and N. Indictor.

“Effects of Eraser Treatment on Paper”

JAIC Vol. 22, No. 1, Fall 1982, (pp. 1-12)

This article tests 4 erasers commonly found in conservation labs (in 1982) for their effect on paper. None of the erasers tested impacted the strength of the paper, even after artificial aging; however, they all affected the surface characteristics to some extent. All of the erasers deposited crumbs that could not be removed manually. Of the erasers tested, the Magic Rub had the least effect of the papers, although there is the possibility that the crumbs of PVC could have a deleterious effect as they degrade to HCl.

Washing

Ash, Nancy

“The Use of Gore-Tex to Transmit Solvent Vapors in the Treatment of Drawings by Henry Ossawa Tanner”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 12 (1993)

A treatment report describing the use Gore-Tex to transmit solvent vapors to soften dessicated adhesive.

Daniels, Vincent and Joanna Kosek

“The Rate of Washing Paper”

Works of Art on Paper, Books, Documents, and Photographs: Techniques and Conservation, IIC Baltimore Congress 2002, (pp. 47-51)

This study of washing kinetics describes 1. that the stained paper became more difficult to wash as it was artificially aged, 2. that increasing the temperature of the bath increased both the rate and extent of the washing, and 3. that certain washing techniques work better for specific media types.

Lockshin, Nora and Kristen St. John, Discussion Group Co-Chairs

“Archives conservators Discussion Group: Flattening and Drying”

The Book and Paper Group Annual, 22 (2003) (pp. 93-95)

Summary of an AIC discussion group on humidification, flattening and drying, covering specific examples of textiles, Japanese paper, letterpress inks, large-scale vacuum-drying, changes in surface texture, and air-flow drying.

Ludwig, Kathy and Kristen St. John, Discussion Group Co-Chairs

“Archives Conservators Discussion Group: Humidification and Flattening”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 21 (2002) (pp. 57-59)

Summary of an AIC discussion group covering the humidification and flattening of archival objects.

Nelson, J., A. King, N. Indictor, & D. Cabelli

“Effects of Wash Water Quality on the Physical Properties of Three Papers“

JAIC 1982, Volume 21, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 59 to 76)

This paper addresses the impact that the make-up of the wash water has on the stability of artificially aged paper. It should be noted that pure distilled water was found to have a deleterious impact, presumably because it stripped out calcium and magnesium from the filler.

Sugarman, Jane E., and Timothy J. Vitale

“Observations on the Drying of Paper: Five Drying Methods and the Drying Process”

JAIC 1992, Volume 31, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 175 to 197)

This study describes the effect of drying (and the associated process of flattening) upon humidified objects as it impacts surface texture. All five methods tested showed some changes in the surface texture, but were least altered when dried under restraint between blotters.

Tang, Lucia C. and Norvell M. M. Jones

“The Effects of Wash Water Quality on the Aging Characteristics of Paper”

JAIC 1979, Volume 18, Number 2, Article 1 (pp. 61 to 81)

Tang and Jones studied the effect of the deionized vs. tap water in baths after artificial aging. They concluded that the presence of calcium ion in the tap water actually served to protect the paper during the aging process, likely because the deionized water stripped away beneficial substances.

Tse, Season

“Effect of Water Washing on Paper and Cellulosic Textiles: An Overview and Update of CCI Research”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 20, 2001 (pp.35-39)

A summary of eight studies performed at CCI over a nine year span. The summary concludes that: 1. de-ionized water, while likely safe to for use with paper, is simply less effective than water with magnesium or calcium salts and 2. at low concentrations, magnesium bicarbonate stabilizes most papers, but darkens lignin-containing paper.

Watkins, Stephanie

“Practical Considerations for Humidifying and Flattening Paper”

The Book and Paper Group Annual 21 (2002) (pp. 61-76)

This paper addresses basic reasons for humidification and flattening before describing 6 commonly used methods of humidification and 16 methods of flattening and drying. The paper also considers a variety of additional issues, including iron-gall ink, surface cleaning and mold-damage.

Media

Ed. Elmer Eusman, Birgit Reissland, Cyntia Karnes, and Paul Roth.

The Ink Corrosion Website: www.knaw.nl/ecpa/ink/index.html

An important resource for information about the history, identification, care, and treatment of iron gall inks.

Reissland, Birgit and Margaret W. Cowan

“The Light Sensitivity of Iron Gall Inks”

Works of Art on Paper, Books, Documents, and Photographs: Techniques and Conservation, IIC Baltimore Congress 2002, (pp. 180-184)

This study examines the light sensitivity of iron gall ink through artificial oven and light aging. The conclusion reached is that iron gall inks are light sensitive, particularly as they age, and should be considered “fugitive” since their exposure levels are typically unknown.

Fletcher Durant	M.S.I.S Candidate, University of Texas-Austin, School of Information C.A.S. Conservation Candidate, Kilgarlin Center for Preservation of the Cultural Record
Home Book Paper Models Enclosures Projects Courses Resume Contact
Bibliography of Paper Treatments General Paper Conservation Catalog The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Book and Paper Group, Ninth Edition, 1994 This handbook describes and provides instructions for care and treatment of a wide variety of issues in paper conservation, including surface cleaning, tape removal, washing, humidification, mending, filling, and lining. The Print Council of America Paper Sample Book (1996) A guide for describing the weight, surface texture, and color of paper. Arney, J. S. and L. B. Pollack “The Retention of Organic Solvents in Paper” JAIC 1980, Volume 19, Number 2, Article 2 (pp. 69 to 74) Arney and Pollack studied whether paper objects treated with volatile organic solvents are susceptible to deleterious effects through aging or if the solvents evaporate fully. They conclude that most solvents do indeed volatilize, if given enough time. Biggs, Julie L. “A Simple Method for Tinting Repair Papers” The Book and Paper Group Annual 19 (2000) (pp.105) Instructions for tinting repair papers using an aerosol spray bottle. Bruckle, Irene “Update: Remoistenable Lining with Methyl Cellulose Adhesive Preparation” The Book and Paper Group Annual 15 (1996) Instructions for making remoistenable lining paper using methyl cellulose. Homburger, Hildegard and Barbara Korbel “Architectural Drawings on Transparent Paper: Modifications of Conservation” Treatments The Book and Paper Group Annual 18 (1999) (pp. 25-34) A treatment report on German architectural drawings that discusses the use of a “hard-soft” drying sandwich that utilizes Gore-tex and polypropylene fleece to gently flatten heavily creased or sensitive paper items. Hunter, Dard Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft New York: Dover Publications, 1943 An important source for the history of paper and papermaking. Kissel, Eleonore and Erin Vigneau. Architectural Photoreproductions: A Manual for Identification and Care. Oak Knoll Press/The New York Botanical Garden: New Castle, Delaware, 1999. An accessible introduction to the identification and care for a variety of architectural reproduction types. Smith, Merrily A., Norvell M. M. Jones, Susan L. Page, & Marian Peck Dirda “Pressure-Sensitive Tape and Techniques for Its Removal from Paper” JAIC 1984, Volume 23, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 101 to 113) This paper outlines the history, life-cycle, and procedures for the removal of pressure-sensitive tapes. Some of the material is basic and other material is outdated, but it can serve as a starting point in the treatment of pressure-sensitive tape. Verheyen, Peter, Carolyn Davis, and Debra Olson “Storage of Architectural Materials at the Syracuse University Library” The Book and Paper Group Annual 22 (2003), (pp. 131-136) A description of the roll-in-roll storage method developed at Syracuse to meet a need for compact, scalable, economical, and archivally sound storage of architectural drawings. Walsh, Judith, Moderator “Evolution in Inpainting Discussion” The Book and Paper Group Annual, 22 (2003), (pp. 105-107) A brief history of inpainting techniques followed by a discussion of practice. It appears that conservators like to inpaint, but that the style and end product are client driven. Dry Cleaning Cowan, Janet “Dry Methods for Surface Cleaning Paper” Canadian Conservation Institute, Technical Bulletin No. 11, March 1986. This article provides a thorough description of dry-cleaning basics, including reasons, materials, instructions, and media testing. Moroz, Richard and Eva Roever. “A New Approach to Systematic Dry Cleaning with Technical Devices” Restaurator vol. 14, no. 3 1993, (pp. 172-187) This article tested three different cleaning devices at a regional conservation lab in Germany, which served around 200 small libraries and cultural institutions and need to maximize efficiency while working on a variety of materials. The Ecobra Electric Eraser #1 was found to work well on more delicate items. The Ecobra Electric Eraser #2 could be used for heavier cleaning on stronger materials. The micro-sandblaster with vinyl crumbs was effective on strong paper with heavy texture. After selecting for appropriate materials, using these devices allowed for a quicker and more thorough cleaning than manual use of vinyl eraser crumbs. Furthermore, it was found that increased amounts of dirt could be removed if a two-week break between surface cleanings was taken to allow the dirt to loosen. Pearlstein, E.J., D. Cabelli, A. King, and N. Indictor. “Effects of Eraser Treatment on Paper” JAIC Vol. 22, No. 1, Fall 1982, (pp. 1-12) This article tests 4 erasers commonly found in conservation labs (in 1982) for their effect on paper. None of the erasers tested impacted the strength of the paper, even after artificial aging; however, they all affected the surface characteristics to some extent. All of the erasers deposited crumbs that could not be removed manually. Of the erasers tested, the Magic Rub had the least effect of the papers, although there is the possibility that the crumbs of PVC could have a deleterious effect as they degrade to HCl. Washing Ash, Nancy “The Use of Gore-Tex to Transmit Solvent Vapors in the Treatment of Drawings by Henry Ossawa Tanner” The Book and Paper Group Annual 12 (1993) A treatment report describing the use Gore-Tex to transmit solvent vapors to soften dessicated adhesive. Daniels, Vincent and Joanna Kosek “The Rate of Washing Paper” Works of Art on Paper, Books, Documents, and Photographs: Techniques and Conservation, IIC Baltimore Congress 2002, (pp. 47-51) This study of washing kinetics describes 1. that the stained paper became more difficult to wash as it was artificially aged, 2. that increasing the temperature of the bath increased both the rate and extent of the washing, and 3. that certain washing techniques work better for specific media types. Lockshin, Nora and Kristen St. John, Discussion Group Co-Chairs “Archives conservators Discussion Group: Flattening and Drying” The Book and Paper Group Annual, 22 (2003) (pp. 93-95) Summary of an AIC discussion group on humidification, flattening and drying, covering specific examples of textiles, Japanese paper, letterpress inks, large-scale vacuum-drying, changes in surface texture, and air-flow drying. Ludwig, Kathy and Kristen St. John, Discussion Group Co-Chairs “Archives Conservators Discussion Group: Humidification and Flattening” The Book and Paper Group Annual 21 (2002) (pp. 57-59) Summary of an AIC discussion group covering the humidification and flattening of archival objects. Nelson, J., A. King, N. Indictor, & D. Cabelli “Effects of Wash Water Quality on the Physical Properties of Three Papers“ JAIC 1982, Volume 21, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. 59 to 76) This paper addresses the impact that the make-up of the wash water has on the stability of artificially aged paper. It should be noted that pure distilled water was found to have a deleterious impact, presumably because it stripped out calcium and magnesium from the filler. Sugarman, Jane E., and Timothy J. Vitale “Observations on the Drying of Paper: Five Drying Methods and the Drying Process” JAIC 1992, Volume 31, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 175 to 197) This study describes the effect of drying (and the associated process of flattening) upon humidified objects as it impacts surface texture. All five methods tested showed some changes in the surface texture, but were least altered when dried under restraint between blotters. Tang, Lucia C. and Norvell M. M. Jones “The Effects of Wash Water Quality on the Aging Characteristics of Paper” JAIC 1979, Volume 18, Number 2, Article 1 (pp. 61 to 81) Tang and Jones studied the effect of the deionized vs. tap water in baths after artificial aging. They concluded that the presence of calcium ion in the tap water actually served to protect the paper during the aging process, likely because the deionized water stripped away beneficial substances. Tse, Season “Effect of Water Washing on Paper and Cellulosic Textiles: An Overview and Update of CCI Research” The Book and Paper Group Annual 20, 2001 (pp.35-39) A summary of eight studies performed at CCI over a nine year span. The summary concludes that: 1. de-ionized water, while likely safe to for use with paper, is simply less effective than water with magnesium or calcium salts and 2. at low concentrations, magnesium bicarbonate stabilizes most papers, but darkens lignin-containing paper. Watkins, Stephanie “Practical Considerations for Humidifying and Flattening Paper” The Book and Paper Group Annual 21 (2002) (pp. 61-76) This paper addresses basic reasons for humidification and flattening before describing 6 commonly used methods of humidification and 16 methods of flattening and drying. The paper also considers a variety of additional issues, including iron-gall ink, surface cleaning and mold-damage. Media Ed. Elmer Eusman, Birgit Reissland, Cyntia Karnes, and Paul Roth. The Ink Corrosion Website: www.knaw.nl/ecpa/ink/index.html An important resource for information about the history, identification, care, and treatment of iron gall inks. Reissland, Birgit and Margaret W. Cowan “The Light Sensitivity of Iron Gall Inks” Works of Art on Paper, Books, Documents, and Photographs: Techniques and Conservation, IIC Baltimore Congress 2002, (pp. 180-184) This study examines the light sensitivity of iron gall ink through artificial oven and light aging. The conclusion reached is that iron gall inks are light sensitive, particularly as they age, and should be considered “fugitive” since their exposure levels are typically unknown.