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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 278 — Master Guide to Deacidification and Washing of Archival Paper
Deacidification and aqueous washing are among the most powerful conservation treatments used to stabilize and extend the life of historical paper documents. These processes neutralize harmful acids, remove discoloration, reduce brittleness, and restore strength to aging cellulose fibers. However, improper washing can cause ink bleeding, sheet distortion, pigment loss, or irreversible structural damage. Safe treatment requires scientific testing, chemical understanding, and professional conservation technique.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 278 — Master Guide to Deacidification and Washing of Archival Paper provides a complete conservation-grade framework for determining when deacidification is appropriate, how to evaluate ink solubility, how to prepare buffered solutions, and how to perform washing without risking catastrophic damage. This guide gives collectors, archivists, and appraisers a high-level understanding of these treatments—and when only a trained conservator should perform them.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Evaluate cellulose fiber condition, acidity levels & chemical instability
Conduct solubility testing and media-fastness analysis before washing
Neutralize acids using magnesium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate buffers
Understand acid hydrolysis, lignin oxidation & discoloration chemistry
Perform aqueous washing using purified or deionized water
Identify foxing, staining, iron-gall ink corrosion & microbiological issues
Avoid ink loss, color bleeding & paper delamination during treatment
Choose between float washing and full immersion based on material risk
Dry, flatten & rehumidify paper without causing cockling or distortion
Measure pH, alkaline reserve & long-term stability after treatment
Understand value impact, disclosure requirements & ethical limitations
Determine when professional conservation intervention is mandatory
Volume 278 offers the deepest, museum-grade overview of archival deacidification and aqueous washing available without laboratory certification—allowing collectors and professionals to make safe, informed decisions about preservation.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access
Deacidification and aqueous washing are among the most powerful conservation treatments used to stabilize and extend the life of historical paper documents. These processes neutralize harmful acids, remove discoloration, reduce brittleness, and restore strength to aging cellulose fibers. However, improper washing can cause ink bleeding, sheet distortion, pigment loss, or irreversible structural damage. Safe treatment requires scientific testing, chemical understanding, and professional conservation technique.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 278 — Master Guide to Deacidification and Washing of Archival Paper provides a complete conservation-grade framework for determining when deacidification is appropriate, how to evaluate ink solubility, how to prepare buffered solutions, and how to perform washing without risking catastrophic damage. This guide gives collectors, archivists, and appraisers a high-level understanding of these treatments—and when only a trained conservator should perform them.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Evaluate cellulose fiber condition, acidity levels & chemical instability
Conduct solubility testing and media-fastness analysis before washing
Neutralize acids using magnesium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate buffers
Understand acid hydrolysis, lignin oxidation & discoloration chemistry
Perform aqueous washing using purified or deionized water
Identify foxing, staining, iron-gall ink corrosion & microbiological issues
Avoid ink loss, color bleeding & paper delamination during treatment
Choose between float washing and full immersion based on material risk
Dry, flatten & rehumidify paper without causing cockling or distortion
Measure pH, alkaline reserve & long-term stability after treatment
Understand value impact, disclosure requirements & ethical limitations
Determine when professional conservation intervention is mandatory
Volume 278 offers the deepest, museum-grade overview of archival deacidification and aqueous washing available without laboratory certification—allowing collectors and professionals to make safe, informed decisions about preservation.
Digital Download — PDF • 7 Pages • Instant Access