Restoring paper documents

[Pckstude]

Gentlemen,,,My original dealer sales document from 1964 is in need of a little restoration. It has black stuff on the bottom part of it that I suspect is some kind of mold, etc. And no, it isn't grease, etc. How does one go about looking for someone to restore paper? We all know, to some degree or another, how to restore the metal, etc that our cars are made out of, but sometimes the papers are just as important. Suggestions on how to, or where to go are greatly appreciated. Thanks

[JBOYLE]

Try contacting a local historical society or museum (the bigger the better). They may have some DIY suggestions or you might want to send it out to an expert.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[JBOYLE]

Try contacting a local historical society or museum (the bigger the better). They may have some DIY suggestions or you might want to send it out to an expert.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[JDP]

As usual, Google is your friend:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=paper+restoration&btnG=Google+Search

64 Commander 2 dr.
64 Daytona HT
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black) #2
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
62 GT Hawk 4 speed
60 Lark HT
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[JDP]

As usual, Google is your friend:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=paper+restoration&btnG=Google+Search

64 Commander 2 dr.
64 Daytona HT
63 R2 4 speed GT Hawk (Black) #2
63 Avanti R1
63 Daytona convert
63 Lark 2 door
63 Lark 2 door #2
62 Daytona HT/ 4 speed
62 Lark 2 door
62 GT Hawk 4 speed
60 Lark HT
60 Hawk
59 3E truck
52 Starliner
51 Commander

[61hawk]

If you have a college or university in your area that has a "Library Science" program, contact them. I know people who have gone through the program at USC and one of the projects they have to do is part of a disaster recovery project where they have to take books and paper that have been flooded, torn, etc. I think with the flooded paperwork, they freeze-dry it to remove the moisture.

Lee

[61hawk]

If you have a college or university in your area that has a "Library Science" program, contact them. I know people who have gone through the program at USC and one of the projects they have to do is part of a disaster recovery project where they have to take books and paper that have been flooded, torn, etc. I think with the flooded paperwork, they freeze-dry it to remove the moisture.

Lee

[Scott]

I learned some of this stuff when I got my MLS degree (library science) but I didn't specialize in it. There are certain solutions that can be used, but it would take a little research to find out what. I had learned how to repair tears, etc. There are certain techniques that do a good job. Very soft gum erasers can be used to gently pick up the stain, but you have to make sure the eraser is for that purpose. Gently press and lift up, don't rub.

The main thing with paper items is to keep them in a stable environment and out of direct sunlight. Variations in temperature can deteriorate paper over time, so that's why a stable enviroment is best. Do not paste paper using anything but archival glue. Don't use scotch tape. there are special tapes and adhesives that will not hurt the paper in the long run.

There are archival supply houses (maybe I'll do a search and find out where I got my things several years ago). They can supply such things as mylar type enclosures, which are acid free, acid free tissue paper to put between paper items, and other supplies like special glues, etc. I keep all my old Studebaker letters in a box made of acid free mat-board with acid free sheets between most of the items.

Another bad thing to do is have your item in close contact with newspaper or stuck in a book. Some papers have a high acidity and that's what yellows the paper over time (well, one of the things). Such contact will over time help destroy and mark either the item you put in the book or the book.

Of course, there are some stains that are almost impossible to get out. Mold is nasty, and I doubt you'll ever get the stain completely out, but with the right techniques, you might be able to lighten it considerably. If I find some of my old notes I'll let you know.

[Scott]

I learned some of this stuff when I got my MLS degree (library science) but I didn't specialize in it. There are certain solutions that can be used, but it would take a little research to find out what. I had learned how to repair tears, etc. There are certain techniques that do a good job. Very soft gum erasers can be used to gently pick up the stain, but you have to make sure the eraser is for that purpose. Gently press and lift up, don't rub.

The main thing with paper items is to keep them in a stable environment and out of direct sunlight. Variations in temperature can deteriorate paper over time, so that's why a stable enviroment is best. Do not paste paper using anything but archival glue. Don't use scotch tape. there are special tapes and adhesives that will not hurt the paper in the long run.

There are archival supply houses (maybe I'll do a search and find out where I got my things several years ago). They can supply such things as mylar type enclosures, which are acid free, acid free tissue paper to put between paper items, and other supplies like special glues, etc. I keep all my old Studebaker letters in a box made of acid free mat-board with acid free sheets between most of the items.

Another bad thing to do is have your item in close contact with newspaper or stuck in a book. Some papers have a high acidity and that's what yellows the paper over time (well, one of the things). Such contact will over time help destroy and mark either the item you put in the book or the book.

Of course, there are some stains that are almost impossible to get out. Mold is nasty, and I doubt you'll ever get the stain completely out, but with the right techniques, you might be able to lighten it considerably. If I find some of my old notes I'll let you know.

[studecruiser]

As for keeping your documents in acid free bags, go to your local comic book store. They will have a complete line of acid free bags and backing boards designed just for that purpose. Also, try this site for restoration: www.interlog.com/~restore

[studecruiser]

As for keeping your documents in acid free bags, go to your local comic book store. They will have a complete line of acid free bags and backing boards designed just for that purpose. Also, try this site for restoration: www.interlog.com/~restore

[bradnree]

A friend of mine has glossy instruction sheets for a turbocharger and the pages have been in water and are stuck together. How does one separate the sheets ??...........Brad

[bradnree]

A friend of mine has glossy instruction sheets for a turbocharger and the pages have been in water and are stuck together. How does one separate the sheets ??...........Brad

[Scott]

Brad, the freeze drying method may work, but it probably would need to be done by a professional, mainly because they ought to have the right kind of equipment. It may not be worth the expense, though.

[Scott]

Brad, the freeze drying method may work, but it probably would need to be done by a professional, mainly because they ought to have the right kind of equipment. It may not be worth the expense, though.