Can light damage be reversed in paper?
Light damage can't be reversed completely, but the visible damage can be greatly reduced.
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What kind of light is most damaging to paper?
Ultraviolet light is the most damaging but visible light can also cause fading and discoloration.
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What kind of light should I use to display my artwork?
Incandesent or tungsten lights are least damaging since they produce the least amount of ultraviolet radiation. However, these lights can get very warm so they should not be placed too close to the artwork. Top
I have many windows in my house, what can I do to protect my artwork?
Filters can be put on windows or into window frames. Curtains, blinds, and shades are also helpful in reducing the amount of light. Top
Several pieces in my collection have a wavy appearance, why is this happening?
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause paper to exapnd and contract, often unevenly, causing a "wavy" appearance. It is recommended to have an environment with a constant temperature and relative humidity. Top
Where is the best place to store works of art?
Storage of artwork should be in an area with a constant environment of approximately 70 degrees and 50% relative humidity. Artwork, should be stored in a dark place. Two places artwork should not be stored are the basement and in attic space. Top
Many pieces in my collection are not framed. Without framing each piece, how can I properly store them?
Each piece should be housed individually between archival acid-free materials. Museums often create storage mats for their pieces. Storage mats should be made of 100% buffered cotton rag board. Photographs should be housed in non-buffered board. Encapsulation between mylar type D is another way to protect works of art on paper from too much handling. Archival folders and document boxes can be used for smaller pieces, letters, and documents. Bigger items can be stored in boxes made of archival materials. Top
What can be done for artwork which has been water damaged?
High humidity, water exposure and poor circulation of air can all promote mold growth. So, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage. It is also important to treat the paper before it has dried completely, which can permanently set in disfiguring tideline staining. For items which have dried, staining and cockling/creasing (waviness) can be reduced but 100% reduction cannot be guaranteed. Top
Can you remove mold from paper?
Mold can be one of the most difficult things to treat in paper conservation. Mold spores are very insidious, attacking deep into the paper. We can generally remove most of the mold spores depending on the type of paper and the level of infestation, however it is not always possible to completely remove all spores from the fiber web of the paper. Staining can be reduced but generally 100% removal cannot be expected. Items with mold damage should be treated immediatly to prevent further damage. Top
What kinds of materials are damaging to artwork?
Below is a list of hazardous materials which should be kept away from direct contact with artwork:
- Wood and all wood products such as corrugated cardboard
- Adhesives such as pressure sensitive tapes and animal hide glues
- Foam core due its tendency to offgas
- Glazing (glass or plexi glass in a frame) that is in direct contact with paper
- Rubber bands
- Acidic mat boards
- Metal items such as paper clips, brass fasteners and staples.
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How long has Graphic Conservation been in business?
Graphic Conservation has been in private practice since 1982. However, previous to being in private practice, Graphic Conservation was part of R. R. Donnelley publishing house. Read more about our history. Top
How much will treatment cost?
Due to the unique nature of each individual item, treatment costs range. Before starting treatment, our conservators examine each item and write up a condition report and proposal of treatment for the client. Treatment costs are based on an hourly rate. In the proposal form, cost is given in a range estimated for the amount of time we think each item will need for treatment. A $30 fee is charged for each proposal written. We have a $200 minimum job fee. Top
Are there ways of reducing the cost of my treatment?
Yes. Most treatments fall into two different focuses. There are stabilization treatments and cosmetic treatments. Stabilization treatments are necessary for the health and longevity of the artwork. Stabilization treatments focus on reducing acid content, reducing and removing mold and water damage, repairing tears, and general treatments which strengthen weakened paper fibers. Cosmetic treatments generally focus on making artwork look less damaged, by camouflaging loss areas with matching fills, or toning fills, by inpainting media losses and with more focus on stain reduction. Treatment costs can be reduced by limiting or excluding the amount of cosmetic treatments applied to artwork. We rarely suggest limiting stabilization treatments because these are necessary for the overall condition of the item. Top
Does it cost less if the piece has no value?
We regard each object we are entrusted to conserve as precious and important, regardless of monetary value, and as such, we show the utmost care throughout all aspects of the conservation process. We charge according to an hourly fee according to the amount of time necessary to conserve each item, regardless of monetary value. Top
Can you tell me how much my item is worth?
As members of the American Institute of Conservation (AIC) we are unable to be involved in the appraisal process of any artwork, as it would be a conflict of interest. If your artwork has not been appraised, and this is information you will need to form a budget for the conservation of your item, we suggest you have the item appraised before you bring it to us. Click here to find an appraiser in your area. You can also contact the American Society of Appraisers (AMA) for more options. Top
Can vellum be treated by a paper conservator?
Although vellum is actually made of animal hide and not paper, we are equipped to deal with this type of material because of our dual experiences in book conservation. Vellum is a very delicate material to work with and should only be entrusted to conservators who have the skills and understanding to handle it properly. Top
I have heard people suggest lining posters to a linen backing as a good archival method. Is this true?
No, this is not always true. We suggest lining to Japanese tissue as a better alternative. Japanese tissue is strong enough to be a good material for lining but is not too strong and has less of a chance of damaging the paper over time. Linen can, over time expand at a different rate then paper, causing tearing or creasing. It can also imprint its texture in the paper fibers. Top
Is it harmful to roll art for storage or to ship it?
Art should never be rolled. It can cause creasing and weakening in paper fibers. It is always best to store and ship your artwork flat between two pieces of archival board. Top
How long does the process of conservation take?
Each piece varies and the amount of time is determined by the amount of work necessary. Most items can be completed with a turnaround time of approximately 4-6 weeks. For more complicated treatments or collections with a large number of items, turnaround times can be much longer. If you need your conservation treatments expedited, please ask the conservators if this is possible. Rush fees may apply. Top
What background do the staff conservators have?
Our conservators have completed an apprenticeship/internship process preparing them for work as a conservator, and have backgrounds in studio art of various disciplines, art history, and chemistry. Please view Our Team for more information. Top
Where can I get more information on conservation?
You can visit the American Institute of Conservation's website for more information on the various fields of conservation, for more educational information and listings of other conservation related resources. Top
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