RE: [GBW] Re: washing family documents

["Frank Mowery" <FMowery@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bleaching of paper continues to be one of the most controversial
treatments in paper conservation.  There are several other processes,
but each has its own issues of concern; Sodium Borohydride, Calcium
Hypochlorite... None are for the untrained conservator.  In the wrong
hands (even in highly experienced hands) bleaching can cause irreparable
damage.
As a supplier, I would think one should be very careful suggesting
anything,  if someone calls and asks for a product, one should hope they
already know the proper way to use it. But if someone asks what can they
use to bleach paper (clearly they should be discouraged from "kitchen
chemistry" attempts).  Bleaching is an aesthetic choice, it does nothing
for the conservation/preservation of an item.  So most untrained
conservators should be discouraged from it.

With even the high purity grade materials (like the Hydrogen Peroxide
mentioned)  those chemicals must be thoroughly washed out of the paper,
after a treatment.  Thorough washing is key to any bleaching process.

Frank

J. Franklin Mowery
Head of Conservation
Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol St. SE
Washington DC. 20003
202-675-0332



-----Original Message-----
From: gbw-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:gbw-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Aaron Salik
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2007 12:29 PM
To: gbw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [GBW] Re: washing family documents 


Well I believe it, but am surprised I have never heard otherwise until
now. When we purchased Talas ages ago the Haas' told us this was the
product to use, of course they weren't conservators either, but am
surprised this hasn't come up until now.

So for the professional, what other products are in use these days?  We
carry hydrogen peroxide, as well as a very high purity grade hydrogen
peroxide that a conservator had us source which has a very low amount of
trace minerals and contaminants, and sells for over $200 a pint.  But
besides for this and the Chloramine T, what else should we be carrying?

Regards,
Aaron Salik
 
Talas
20 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-219-0770 Phone
212-219-0735 Fax
http://talasonline.com




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The GBW website is supported and maintained by
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