Plans and maps
Larger documents such as maps and construction drawings
show specific damage patterns that are primarily caused by their unwieldy format - kinks or folds cause cracks and breaks that destabilize the material. Regardless of whether it is rag or machine paper, parchment paper, blueprints or cardboard, storage, whether rolled or flat, is often the starting point for mechanical damage, especially in the edge areas.
General loss of moisture
makes paper brittle and brittle and often leads to further damage when unfolded and unrolled. The first step is always to condition the material. In a specially developed humidity chamber, the fibers are given the necessary elasticity by enriching the moisture content in the fiber cells. In this way we can unroll the documents and lay them out without damaging them any further.
The actual restoration and stabilization starts
after the papers have sufficient elasticity again. There are additional work steps, such as fiberising with paper fibers to close imperfections and cracks, but also fiberising the entire sheet in the edge zones in the case of particularly badly damaged edges. It is often useful to stabilize the entire sheet or card. In these cases, the back is fastened with Japanese paper or other material-appropriate carriers. The introduction of alkaline chemicals to buffer negative acids is possible and appropriate.
Additional measures
Removal of old backing materials, adhesive tapes and self-adhesive tapes and other individual treatments are available if necessary. In order to ensure that the original can be used safely in the future, we recommend a polyester bag that is open on both sides. This gives the original protection from mechanical damage and at the same time does not restrict atmospheric exchange.
Let us advise you!