Deacidification

Juliette Murphy <juliettemurphy [at] dali-estate__org> writes

>... The
>deacidification spray that has  been recommended to our paper
>specialist has proved to be inadequate for the task required. I
>would like to ask what other paper conservators might recommend.

You do not explain why the deacidification spray you chose is not
performing to your expectations.

It is important to understand that deacidification treatment, to be
most useful, should happen early in the life of the paper in
question.

As time passes acid (and alkaline) pollutants degrade paper and
treatments to counteract degradation will be less and less
effective.

When it is possible, I prefer washing the paper to remove the
detritus of degradation which will re-hydrate the cellulose fibers
and strengthen the sheet (renew hydrogen bonding), and then apply a
deacidification treatment.

Jack
Thompson Conservation Lab.
7549 N. Fenwick
Portland, Oregon  97217
USA
503-735-3942


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:16
                   Distributed: Friday, July 13, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-16-001
                                  ***