Why We Restore

ACA Paper Restoration offers restoration services for damaged works on paper. Paper is naturally acidic, which is why older works, such as old newspaper, turn yellow or brown as they age. The paper's pH must be neutralized in order to halt the toning, and keep the paper and pigments from deteriorating. The toning can also be cleaned out of the paper, yielding a newer looking piece.

There are a variety of problems that can originate from poor environmental conditions, framing, handling or mishaps. Damage such as stains, tears, mold/mildew, abrasions and creases can detract from both your enjoyment of the piece and its value.

In addition to making a piece look nicer, proper professional restoration and conservation can stabilize its value and in some cases, recover some value lost to damage.

The following is a list of issues common to works on paper that would require restoration and/or conservation treatment:

• Acid Burn : Browning/yellowing of the paper which also makes paper brittle.
• Mat Burn : Brown line of acid burn around image.
• Foxing : Corroding particles in paper create unsightly brown spotting.
• Acidic backing and/or matting : Can cause acid burn if not removed.
• Tape and adhesive : Will stain the paper if not removed.
• Poor frame conditions : Improperly framed pieces can deteriorate from exposure to acidic materials, touching the glass, insect droppings, mold spores and humidity.
• Water Damage : Rippling, mold/mildew and staining can all occur from exposure to moisture.
• Mold/Mildew : Can cause paper and pigment deterioration, textural damage, staining.
• Insect Damage : Silverfish eat away paper and pigment. Droppings can deteriorate and stain paper.
• Creasing : Handling cockles, deep folds, wrinkles, rippling.
• Surface dirt : Dust, soot, fingerprints, hair, fur, insect droppings, etc.
• Abrasions : Scuffs, shiny marks, scratches with pigment loss, textural damage.
• Creasing : Handling cockles, deep folds, wrinkles, rippling.
• Tears, holes and missing paper.
• Pigment loss, cracking and fading.