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Paper Conservation

RDW has an invaluable series of preservation techniques available for conserving paper for the next century and beyond. With meticulous care and attention taken over each and every page, map or document, this specialist area employs cost effective processes when measured against the possible total decay or loss of significant evidence of heritage and culture. We offer a conservation survey service, acidity testing and free scheduling and estimation of treatments required.

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Analysis
The conservator's first task is to determine appropriate treatment - through analysis and supported by sensitivity to the issues of conservation ethics and knowledge of the history of papermaking, printing and binding.

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Treatment
While decay must first be arrested, a balance must also be struck between treatments, which must afford maximum protection; maintain subsequent access by readers; preserve the essential appearance of the document; and which fall within the budget of the client.

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Acid Decay
Although the self-destructive quality of mechanically produced wood pulp paper was discovered several decades ago, the full impact of in-built acid decay on holdings of libraries and archives is now only being given the attention it demands.

It is now widely recognised that acid decay presents one of the greatest challenges faced by custodians of the printed word.

Techniques

Dry Cleaning Using a special eraser or draft-cleaning pad to remove dirt from fragile paper without damage or staining.

Testing pH All material treated is regularly monitored for alkalinity and acidity throughout the paper treatment process.

Washing In warm water, once satisfied by testing that inks will not run or spread, removing some discolouration, staining, dirt and some acids.

Acid Neutralisation Acidity in paper is one of the most common causes of decay. This is due to atmospheric pollution or the makeup of the paper. It can be easily treated using aqueous or non-aqueous treatments depending on type and condition of paper.

Patching and Repair Traditional hand repairs of paper using Japanese tissue and paste or archival heat set tissue. Some parchments can be repaired dependant upon their conditions.

Leaf Casting Paper repairs using matching pulp infills.

Lamination & Mounting For seriously embrittled or weak papers, all-over lamination or mounting onto suitable backing sheets to strengthen and support.

Guarding Used to secure loose pages or documents to allow binding into book form.

Hand Sewing Carefully woven or flattened cords or flexible sewing to form raised spine band binding.

Encapsulation Ultrasonic welding of inert polyester film sandwiching documents, which have first been de-acidified, minimises damage from handling.

Treatment Records The option of a written or photographic record is available; detailing assessments of the original state of material and treatments carried out.

Microfilming A negative or positive microfilm copy of material can be produced prior to rebinding, once treated and in the disbound, loose state.

Facsimile Repair Once in the disbound state a facsimile reproduction copy or copies can be easily produced for use by researchers, students, lecturers or readers.