Printmaking Unit 12 ReviewPreserving and Conserving Prints

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the importance of preserving and conserving prints to maintain their value, integrity, and longevity
• Covers various techniques, methods, and best practices for protecting prints from damage, deterioration, and environmental factors
• Explores the materials and tools used in the preservation and conservation process, including archival storage solutions and specialized equipment
• Discusses common challenges faced when preserving and conserving prints, such as acid migration, light exposure, and improper handling
• Provides guidance on how to properly handle, store, and display prints to minimize the risk of damage and ensure their long-term preservation
• Emphasizes the role of conservation in repairing and stabilizing damaged prints, as well as preventing further deterioration
• Highlights the importance of understanding the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of different print media, such as woodcuts, etchings, and lithographs
• Offers resources and further learning opportunities for those interested in deepening their knowledge of print preservation and conservation

Key Terms and Concepts

• Preservation: The act of protecting prints from damage, deterioration, and loss, ensuring their long-term survival and accessibility
• Conservation: The process of repairing, stabilizing, and preventing further damage to prints that have already experienced some level of deterioration
• Archival materials: Acid-free and lignin-free materials specifically designed for the safe storage and protection of prints, such as archival boxes, folders, and sleeves
• Acid migration: The transfer of acidity from one material to another, which can cause discoloration, brittleness, and other forms of damage to prints
• Light exposure: The cumulative effects of light on prints, which can lead to fading, yellowing, and other forms of color degradation over time
  • Ultraviolet (UV) light is particularly harmful to prints and should be minimized through the use of UV-filtering glazing or storage in dark environments
• Relative humidity (RH): The amount of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature
  • Maintaining a stable RH between 30-50% is crucial for preventing moisture-related damage to prints, such as mold growth, cockling, and ink bleeding
• Matting and framing: The process of enclosing prints in protective materials, such as acid-free mats and frames, to provide support, prevent direct contact with glazing, and enhance presentation
• Hinging: The method of attaching a print to a backing board or mat using archival-grade adhesives or mounting corners, allowing for safe display and easy removal if needed

Materials and Tools

• Acid-free and lignin-free materials: Essential for the safe storage and protection of prints, including archival boxes, folders, sleeves, and tissue paper
• Archival-grade adhesives: Reversible and non-damaging adhesives, such as wheat starch paste or methyl cellulose, used for hinging and mounting prints
• Blotting paper: Absorbent paper used to remove excess moisture from prints during the conservation process, helping to prevent water stains and ink bleeding
• Bone folder: A smooth, flat tool made from bone or plastic, used for creasing and folding paper, as well as smoothing out wrinkles and air bubbles in prints
• Brushes: Soft-bristled brushes, such as hake brushes or natural-hair brushes, used for gently removing surface dirt and debris from prints
• Erasers: Soft, non-abrasive erasers, such as kneaded erasers or vinyl erasers, used for removing light pencil marks or smudges from prints without causing damage
• Spatulas and tweezers: Precision tools used for lifting, manipulating, and applying materials during the conservation process, minimizing direct handling of the print
• Weights and press boards: Used for flattening prints that have become wrinkled or distorted, applying even pressure to restore their original shape

Preservation Techniques

• Proper storage: Storing prints in a cool, dry, and dark environment, using archival-grade materials to protect them from dust, dirt, and other contaminants
  • Prints should be stored flat whenever possible, as rolling or folding can lead to creases and other forms of physical damage
• Handling with care: Using clean, dry hands or wearing cotton gloves when handling prints to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or moisture from the skin
  • Always support prints from the bottom and edges, avoiding touching the image area or applying pressure to the surface
• Matting and framing: Enclosing prints in acid-free mats and frames to provide protection, support, and a professional presentation
  • Ensure that the print does not come into direct contact with the glazing material, as this can lead to condensation and ink transfer
• Hinging and mounting: Attaching prints to a backing board or mat using archival-grade adhesives or mounting corners, allowing for safe display and easy removal if needed
  • Avoid using pressure-sensitive tapes or adhesives, as these can cause staining, discoloration, and other forms of irreversible damage
• Environmental control: Maintaining a stable temperature and relative humidity (RH) in the storage or display area to prevent moisture-related damage and minimize the effects of fluctuations
  • Use a hygrometer to monitor RH levels and consider using a dehumidifier or humidifier to regulate moisture content in the air
• Light protection: Minimizing the exposure of prints to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause fading, yellowing, and other forms of color degradation
  • Use UV-filtering glazing, such as acrylic or specially coated glass, when framing prints for display, and store prints in dark, light-tight containers when not in use

Conservation Methods

• Surface cleaning: Gently removing surface dirt, dust, and debris from prints using soft-bristled brushes, lint-free cloths, or specialized cleaning materials
  • Always test cleaning methods on a small, inconspicuous area of the print first to ensure they do not cause damage or alter the appearance of the image
• Humidification and flattening: Carefully introducing moisture to prints that have become wrinkled, creased, or distorted, allowing them to relax and be flattened under weight
  • Use a humidity chamber or gore-tex sandwich to slowly and evenly humidify the print, then press between blotters and boards to restore its original shape
• Tear and loss repair: Mending tears and filling losses in prints using archival-grade materials, such as Japanese paper and wheat starch paste, to restore structural integrity and visual continuity
  • Carefully align torn edges and apply a thin strip of mending tissue along the tear, then inpaint any losses to match the surrounding image area
• Backing removal: Carefully removing old, acidic, or damaged backing materials from prints to prevent further deterioration and prepare them for proper storage or display
  • Use a thin spatula or microspatula to gently lift the print from the backing, working slowly and cautiously to avoid tearing or stretching the paper
• Inpainting and retouching: Applying pigments or dyes to areas of loss or damage in prints to restore visual continuity and minimize the appearance of imperfections
  • Use reversible, archival-grade materials and match the color, tone, and texture of the surrounding image area as closely as possible
• Deacidification: Treating prints with alkaline solutions or materials to neutralize acidity and prevent further deterioration caused by acid migration or inherent acidity in the paper
  • This process can help prolong the life of prints and slow down the rate of deterioration, but should only be performed by trained conservators

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Acid migration: Occurs when acidic materials, such as wood pulp paper or cardboard, come into contact with prints, causing discoloration and brittleness over time
  • Solution: Use acid-free and lignin-free materials for storage and framing, and isolate prints from acidic materials using barrier sheets or enclosures
• Light damage: Exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, can cause fading, yellowing, and other forms of color degradation in prints
  • Solution: Minimize light exposure by storing prints in dark, light-tight containers when not in use, and use UV-filtering glazing when framing prints for display
• Moisture damage: High humidity or direct contact with water can lead to mold growth, cockling, ink bleeding, and other forms of moisture-related damage in prints
  • Solution: Maintain a stable relative humidity (RH) between 30-50% in storage and display areas, and protect prints from direct contact with water or moisture
• Physical damage: Improper handling, storage, or framing can result in tears, creases, abrasions, and other forms of physical damage to prints
  • Solution: Handle prints with care, using clean hands or gloves, and store them flat in archival-grade materials; use proper hinging and framing techniques to prevent physical damage during display
• Pest infestation: Insects, rodents, and other pests can damage prints by feeding on paper fibers, leaving droppings, or attracting moisture that leads to mold growth
  • Solution: Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) program, including regular monitoring, cleaning, and the use of archival-grade storage materials that deter pests
• Inherent vice: Some prints may have inherent qualities that make them more susceptible to deterioration, such as unstable pigments, poor paper quality, or incompatible materials used in their creation
  • Solution: Identify and understand the specific vulnerabilities of each print, and tailor preservation and conservation strategies accordingly; consult with experienced conservators for guidance on managing inherent vice

Best Practices for Handling Prints

• Always handle prints with clean, dry hands or while wearing clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or moisture from the skin
• Support prints from the bottom and edges, avoiding touching the image area or applying pressure to the surface
• Use both hands when handling prints, and never hold them by a single corner or edge, as this can cause tearing or creasing
• Keep prints flat and supported at all times, using a rigid backing board or folder when moving them between locations
• Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near prints, as spills, stains, and smoke residue can cause irreversible damage
• Do not use paper clips, rubber bands, or adhesive tape on prints, as these can cause tears, creases, or stains
• When viewing prints, place them on a clean, flat surface and use weights or snake weights to hold down the corners, preventing them from curling or lifting
• Avoid placing prints in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, humidity, or air pollution, as these can accelerate deterioration and cause damage

Resources and Further Learning

• The American Institute for Conservation (AIC): Offers resources, publications, and workshops on the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage materials, including prints
• The International Association of Paper Historians (IPH): Provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and research on the history, conservation, and use of paper-based materials
• The Image Permanence Institute (IPI): Conducts research and provides education on the preservation of images and cultural heritage collections, with a focus on environmental management and material science
• The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC): Offers resources, workshops, and conservation services for the preservation of paper-based materials, including prints
• The Society of American Archivists (SAA): Provides resources, publications, and educational opportunities related to the preservation and management of archival materials, including prints
• Conservation OnLine (CoOL): An online resource for conservation professionals, featuring articles, conference proceedings, and discussion forums on various topics, including print preservation and conservation
• The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI): Conducts research, provides education, and disseminates information on the conservation of cultural heritage, including the preservation of prints and works on paper
• Professional development courses and workshops: Attend training sessions, conferences, and workshops offered by conservation organizations, museums, and educational institutions to deepen your knowledge and skills in print preservation and conservation