Posted by John Fiorillo on June 14, 2001 at 01:06:39:
In Reply to: Removing creases posted by Francis Yu on June 13, 2001 at 02:18:57:
Francis,
With all due respect to Andreas and Marc, I do not agree with a novice following their advice (this won't surprise them, I'm sure, as we've debated the do-it-yourself issue before). For example, Andreas suggests following a method employing steaming, but there is no mention of the potential for contaminants existing in the water, which could be imparted to the print. In some cases steaming is not recommended. The acidity of the paper should be tested first and then an informed opinion should be made regarding whether distilled or buffered water should be used. Also, I can easily see a beginner not exercising proper control during the humidification process. Marc mentions laying a print down on a cotton dish towel, which I have never heard in any advice given by print restorers. How do you know that a moistened common dish towel will not have dyes, even in a white area, or bleach components, that will not be transferred to the print? Also, the flexibility or softness of a common towel poses the risk of the towel not lying perfectly flat, which could affect the print when it is pressed down under a weight. A conservator uses pH neutral blotting papers for such work.
Do you REALLY want to risk damage to a print that you seem to love when you have 1 of only 3 existing impressions !!! ???
I know it would cost money for a professional conservator, but the repair you require is among the simplest to perform by a knowledgeable person if the right materials and techniques are used. I suggest contacting the AIC and asking for a recommendation.
John