How do I preserve/restore old paper myself?

Question

I have recently found some documents that belonged to my grandfather. They were in a damp place and there is mildew on some of them. How do I stop the mildew and prevent it from spreading without damaging the paper itself? Once I have done this, what is the best way to preserve the documents?

I have asked this question previously, and was referred to paper restoration professionals. I want to do this myself, so please your personal experiences only.

Answer 1

I too will have to refer you but the person maybe able to tell you how to do it. That is if you want to do some work to find out. Susan L. Malty writes a column in Coin World ( a weekly coin newspaper) on Conservation and protection of items and that includes paper items. Try to reach her through coin world at www.coinworld.com or write Coin World and have them forward a letter for you. Coin World, customer service, PO Box 4315, Sidney, OH 45365. Also have you tried emailing the Smithsonian Institute or checking with a local museum?? Go on line and do some checking.

Answer 2

You could try taking them to a professional restorer. That will cost some bucks though.

The simplest way is to have them laminated. This maybe risky if the documents are brittle though.

Hope this helps.