Documents, posters, maps, drawings, and prints are among the many are objects classified as works on paper. In addition to providing treatment for works on paper for damage and deterioration, we can provide recommendations to preserve it and display it correctly.

Paper before alkaline wash	Paper after alkaline wash

Alkaline Wash

Acidic papers and improper storage and lighting cause paper objects to turn yellow over time. An alkaline wash renews the paper to its initial brightness, allowing text and designs to be viewed in their original form.

Before stain reduction	After stain reduction

Stain Reduction

Frequently works on paper and documents become stained either by an accident, or by mold. When these stains interfere with the aesthetic appreciation of the artwork or document, stain reduction treatment may be an option as a method of rehabilitation.

Stain reduction is a highly aggressive, invasive and non-reversible treatment and must only be used as a last resort when there are no other viable options. Essentially stain reduction is a bleaching process achieved either by the use of chemicals, or by exposing the art object to strong light while submersed in a liquid.

Understandably only works that are deemed stable and unaffected by the chemicals would be candidates for stain reduction treatment. All components of the artifact need to be carefully considered and tested for solubility and fading. This includes the medium of the work, inks, paints, signatures, the fibers and the sizing of the paper support, chemical brighteners in the paper if any, and many others. Even after careful testing, long exposures to powerful chemicals may produce unpredictable results and result in undesirable changes in the design media and weakening of the support.

Successful stain reduction however, often results in dramatic improvement in appearance and is responsible for rehabilitating many works which would otherwise would be relegated to storage.

Paper before adhesive removal	Paper after adhesive removal

Adhesive Removal

Non-archival adhesives used to mount paper objects or to repair tears may stain paper surfaces. Pressure sensitive tapes often remain active for many years and continue to penetrate into the fibers of paper causing serious damage. Acidic paper support and poor quality gelatinous or vegetable based adhesive will also discolor the paper support of artwork and risk damage upon removal. ConservArt's expert staff are skilled in removing these difficult and potentially harmful adhesives.