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Conservation Corner: DIY Book Repair

Friday, January 23, 2015

So, you’ve managed to tear a page or two from your favorite book*. Before you even think of reaching for that roll of Scotch tape read my previous post and consider these simple, archivally sound repair techniques that you can do at home.

Before proceeding you will need to purchase a few, inexpensive tools and materials.

Adjustable heat tacking iron or spatula

An adjustable temperature heat spatula (small tacking tool).  Spatula nibs are interchangeable. I find that the Teflon coated nib works quite well. A larger heat-set tacking iron works just as well, but it is a bit clunkier.

Adjustable heat tacking iron with teflon nib

Roll of Filmoplast R

Filmoplast R is high-alpha-cellulose tissue coated with an acid- and solvent-free heat-activated adhesive.  This adhesive is also buffered with an alkaline pH of magnesium bicarbonate that helps retard acid breakdown inherent in most paper old or new. Best of all, it is reversible by applying common solvents like water and or alcohol.

Roll of Filmoplast P90

P90 is a pressure-sensitive tape that requires no heat to activate. It is also alkaline (think opposite of acidic) but much thicker and opaque. I would recommend using it when you need a strong repair or when subtlety is not a concern. Filmoplast P is also reversible with the addition of humidity. A damp cotton swab gently worked over the taped area will usually do the trick. A thinner pressure tape is available called simply Filmoplast P. I have not used it but you might give it a try…let me know what you think.

Two types of repair tissue

 

Filmoplast P90 vs. Filmoplast R

 

Once you have your tape and your tools we are ready to begin! Find a suitable page to repair or practice with a few different types of paper and tears.

Perfect candidate for repair

Plug your tacking iron in and set the dial to around mid-level. Your spatula gets very hot! It can easily burn your skin or mark up your countertop, so know where your spatula is at all times.

Using your fingers, tear off and appropriately sized piece of repair tape and shape it to the dimensions of the damaged area. When you tear the repair piece with your fingers you are creating a feathered edge which blends nicer on the paper than a hard straight scissor-cut edge.

 

Carefully place your repair tissue onto the damaged area. With your spatula, starting at the outside edge of the repair piece begin rubbing the repair tissue  using light circular motions.  Did it stick? If not you may need to apply a little more pressure or you may need to raise the temperature a bit. Remember we are trying to use the lowest heat setting that will activate the adhesive. Avoid starting at the highest heat setting; it helps to think of the paper you are repairing as your favorite silk shirt and the tacking iron as your clothes iron.  A little common sense goes a long way.

Applying repair tissue

Setting repair tissue with heat spatula

Observe your paper repair. Is the tear aligned just right? Are there are any gaps? If there are, you might consider using a lightly moistened cotton swab to remove the repair piece and try again. If you missed a spot you might also apply another piece of tissue over the repair. The repair tissue is thin enough that you can overlap it a couple of times without too much loss in transparency.

Finished repair

 

Practice makes perfect so keep working at it and you will get some great results!

 

*The home repairs described in this post are not intended for books of great value (monetary or otherwise). In these cases please consult a professional conservator.

 

Most of these tools and materials can be purchased online. You may want to consider the following sites.

http://www.gaylord.com/

http://www.universityproducts.com/

http://www.talasonline.com/

http://www.shopbrodart.com/archival-supplies/

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