| Maintaining the integrity of books considered archives, | | | | the book together over and over as it continues to |
| heirlooms or historic can be challenging given the | | | | dry. When the books is close to being completely |
| variety of elements and situations that can damage | | | | dry, place it in between two dry boards with a vice |
| them. Fire, mold, water and smoke can all damage | | | | or clamp for at least 24 hours. |
| historic and archived books easily if proper prevention | | | | If the delicacy and detail of managing the drying and |
| methods are not followed. Though the digital age has | | | | restoration of a historical or archived book seems |
| converted much that was print into an online format, | | | | daunting, find a service that can professionally |
| there is still great value in preserving the books on | | | | restore books instead. |
| -which so much has been built. | | | | Antique Book Restoration |
| Restoring antique books that have been damaged | | | | Materials and chemicals used to publish pages corrupt |
| can be challenging, but not impossible. Depending on | | | | the integrity of old books over long periods of time. |
| the severity, type of paper and binding, books can | | | | These books and particular damage require specific |
| be restored using methods like freeze-drying and | | | | restoration care in order to ensure they prevail as |
| vacuum-drying. Both of these require the services of | | | | time passes. The following steps and precautions |
| a professional who understands the processes and | | | | should be taken for restoring antique books. |
| sensitivities of using each. | | | | 1. Clean your work area using a mild general purpose |
| Below are describes various methods individuals can | | | | cleaner and let the area dry completely |
| follow to attempt to restore a book that has been | | | | 2. Create the workspace in an area away from direct |
| damaged. However, it is important to note that for | | | | sunlight to avoid additional damage. Rather use a low, |
| archived books, it is highly recommended that an | | | | natural lighted area. |
| expert in book restoration and damaged document | | | | 3. Oil and residue from your hands can stain and |
| recovery be called in to ensure good results. | | | | further damage antique books. Therefore wear white |
| Water Damaged Books | | | | cotton gloves to handle the book or wash and dry |
| When restoring a book damaged by water, experts | | | | your hands thoroughly before handling and every so |
| recommend taking the following steps and | | | | often during the restoration process. |
| precautions: | | | | 4. Clean the book gently by brushing away dust with |
| 1. Leaving the book in its original condition when | | | | a soft brush or gas duster. |
| found. If the book was closed when damaged, leave | | | | 5. If the book is fragile use very loose rubber bands |
| it closed. If it was open, leave it that way | | | | to fasten together the cover and pages. Do not use |
| 2. If the book had coated paper, place wax paper | | | | staples, paper clips, tapes, or adhesives. |
| between the pages | | | | 6. Clean pages using pencil erasers or very fine grit |
| 3. To store or move the book(s) before it has been | | | | sandpaper |
| treated, pack them spine-down in boxes or crates | | | | 7. Only use a single-edged razor to remove food, |
| with freezer paper separating individual books | | | | gum, and waxed crayons. |
| 4. Mud and dirt should only be removed when the | | | | 8. Place the book into a sealable storage bag after it |
| book is dry | | | | has been cleaned |
| 5. Do not use bleaches or detergents to clean | | | | Antique books should be cherished and stored with |
| 6. Dry out wet books slowly using a fan. DO NOT | | | | care. If you have antique books in your possession, |
| USE THE SUN | | | | look them over and take steps to preserve any that |
| 7. Use cornstarch and talcum powder to help absorb | | | | may be falling apart due to age, light or worse - mold. |
| any extra moisture and prevent mold | | | | There are ways to preserve them, either by your |
| 8. To straighten folded or wrinkled pages, wait until | | | | own means or by bringing in a professional book |
| the book is partially dry. Then, gently press and hold | | | | restoration specialist to take on the task. |