Paper Conservation
Paper Degradation: Causes and Treatments
Paper deteriorates for a variety of reasons. These may include defects in the paper itself such as low-grade fibre and acidity, but environmental factors like pollution, high temperatures, fluctuating humidity, light and infestation by insects or micro-organisms can also be responsible. Deterioration's can also arise simply from poor handling by users or inappropriate earlier repairs.
Paper Conservators are concerned with stabilising deterioration or damage to objects. While conservation can involve the actual repair of paper, conservators are also concerned with the environment in which they are kept, and how they are exhibited and handled.
Poor storage, bad framing, mishandling, misuse, accidents and disasters accelerate deterioration and lead directly to some of the common problems outlined below:
DISCOLOURATION:
darkening of the paper as acid hydrolysis occurs in the paper fibre, can be a result of the manufacturing process, fibre impurity, or simply by contact with unsuitable storage materials, can lead to embrittlement.FOXING:
brown spots that occur across the surface of a sheet, possibly rusting of iron specks or fungal activity.FADING:
loss of colour intensity by over exposure to light.MOULD:
biological activity occurring in damp conditions.BURNING OR WOOD STAINING:
appearing on the surface of a picture where paper is directly backed by wood.TIDE LINES:
staining caused by direct contact with water.SURFACE AND INGRAINED DIRT:
exposure to airborne pollutants, particulate matter, fly specking. Continuous unprotected handling.MECHANICAL WEAR AND TEAR:
tears, rupture, holes, missing pieces, folding and creasing.With proper attention preservation can retard further deterioration and through conservation some damage may be reversed whilst ensuring stability, function and longevity. Appropriate storage and careful handling are always the first and most practical steps. Remember to keep your works of art on paper away from direct sunlight, high temperatures and humidity and NEVER attempt cleaning or repairing yourself.
The ideal conditions for paper are:
20 degrees Celsius constant temperature.
50% relative humidity.
Low light levels i.e.: 20 lux.
Appropriate framing and storage will assist in the preservation of a work of art on paper:
Acid free boards and mounts should be used.
The glass should not touch the work of art.
The work of art should be well sealed in the frame so that airborne pollutants and atmospheric conditions cannot affect the paper.
Document, archives, maps, etc should be stored in acid free boxes and storage tubes.
Poor quality repairs and unqualified interference can seriously compromise and devalue a work of art.
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