Should I attempt cleaning or repair myself?
Preservation, Storage & Insurance · Revised 3 August 2026
No. Amateur washing, bleaching, tape repair and erasure cause more damage in this field than any other single factor, and they reduce value permanently. Consult an accredited paper conservator, and be aware that a light, well-documented intervention is preferable to an ambitious one.
Share
Related questions
Related guides
4 min read
Preserving Rare Books
Books are robust objects that fail in predictable ways. This guide covers shelving, handling, environment and the interventions an owner should never attempt.
Read the guide
4 min read
Preserving Manuscripts
Manuscripts are unique, and their materials behave differently from printed books. This guide addresses parchment, ink corrosion, seals and the housing that manuscript material requires.
Read the guide
4 min read
Preserving Works on Paper
Light is the principal threat to drawings, watercolours, prints and photographs, and its effects cannot be reversed. This guide covers framing, glazing, display periods and safe storage.
Read the guide