Library Blog

Conservation Corner: Repairing paper tears without the use of cellophane tape

Friday, September 12, 2014

 If you have read my previous posts you may have an idea as to how much I hate the use of “scotch” (i.e., pressure-sensitive) tapes for paper repairs. The rubber adhesives in these tapes oxidize and become brittle over time, soak into the paper,  and stain it yellow.  Removal of the staining is extremely difficult,  and oftentimes, impossible. You may have come across older books in the collection with this type of yellowed tape, whose carrier -- the shiny plastic part of the tape -- is dried out and barely clinging to the page.  Newer acrylic-based adhesive tapes are somewhat better (as there is no oxidation and, therefore, less likelihood of unsightly stains),  but can still prove difficult to remove. The lesson to take from this is to avoid using cellophane tape for paper repair at all costs. In a future posting I will discuss the use of special, non-cello tapes for home repair.
yellow tape recipe

Most paper repair carried out in the NYSL’s conservation studio is accomplished with a combination of handmade Japanese tissues and papers and handmade western papers of various grades and thicknesses.  Japanese tissue is long-fibered, thin and very strong.  The higher quality tissues – those used in conservation – have the added benefit of being acid free.
japanese paper assortment 
In order to repair a paper tear using Japanese tissue, a conservator will start by tracing the shape and length of the tear onto a piece of transparent polyester Mylar film. 
tracing the shape of a taer

Using a light box, (I sometimes use a bright window) the tissue is placed onto the Mylar and a repair piece is then cut out using either a water pen or a sharp needle.
Using a water pen with Japanese tissue

Fuzzy long fibers are trimmed just a bit.  When the repair tissue is applied to the tear, these fibers will help to create a soft edge between repair and page and also aid in anchoring the repair piece.
fuzzy ends of japanese repair tissue

With a soft brush a thin layer of high grade wheat starch adhesive is applied to the repair tissue and it is carefully placed onto the repair site and rubbed with bone-folder.   Finally, the repaired page is placed between absorbent blotters and weight so that it will dry without warping.

Applying starch paste to repair

 

repair lightly pressed under weight

 

All paper book repairs are best carried out by a professional.  So, if you do borrow a book from The New York Society Library and you happen to notice a torn or tape-repaired page, please do not attempt to remedy the issue on your own.  Ask the circulation staff to bring the book to the attention of the conservation department.
completed paper repair

Thanks and see you next time!

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