PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG

The American Institute for Conservation

of Historic and Artistic Works
Book and Paper Group
NINTH EDITION
May 1994
Preparation of this edition is made possible in part by a grant from the Division of Preservation and
Access at the National Endowment for the Humanities, an independent federal agency.The PAPER
CONSERVATION CATALOG is a publication of the Book and Paper Group of the American In-
stitute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

Ninth Edition copyright 1994. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for the ConserS
vation of Historic and Artistic Works. 1. Fiber Identification (Draft); 5. Written Documentation; 12.
Mold/Fungi. 18. Parchment Treatments. 30. Inpainting.

Eighth Edition copyright 1992. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for the Conser-
vation of Historic and Artistic Works. 13. Foxing; 14. Surface Cleaning and 15. Hinge, Tape and AdS
hesive Removal.

Seventh Edition copyright 1990. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conserva-
tion of Historic and Artistic Works. 4. Support Problems; 10. Spot Tests; and 16. Washing.

Sixth Edition copyright 1989. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conservation
of Historic and Artistic Works. 19. Bleaching and 46. Adhesives.

Fifth Edition copyright 1988. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conservation
of Historic and Artistic Works. 17. Sizing/ Resizing; 23. Consolidation/Fixing/Facing; 29. Lining;
and 40. Matting and Framing.

Fourth Edition copyright 1987. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conserva-
tion of Historic and Artistic Works. 26. Filling of Losses.

Third Edition copyright 1986. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conserva-
tion of Historic and Artistic Works. 6. Visual Examination; 20. Alkalization and Neutralization
(1986, Bibliography, Special Considerations).

Second Edition copyright 1985. The Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conserva-
tion of Historic and Artistic Works. 3. Media Problems; 20. Alkalization and Neutralization; and 24.
Backing Removal.

First Edition copyright 1984. The. Book and Paper Group of the American Institute for Conservation
of Historic and Artistic Works. 22. Humidification (1984, Draft); 25. Mending and 28. Drying and
Flattening.

Back editions of the PAPER C O NSERVATION CATALOG may be purchased from the American In-
O

stitute of Historic and Artistic Works, 1717 K Street, NW, Suite 301, Washington, DC 20006 for $8.00
each edition plus postage.
 PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Statement of Purpose (revised 1994)

List of Chapters (revised 1994)
Format (1994)
Participants (1994)
Published Chapters:

1. Fiber Identification (draft 1994)

3. Media Problems (1985)
4. Support Problems (1990)
5. Written Documentation (1994)
6. Visual Examination (1986)
10. Spot Tests (1990)
12. Mold/Fungi (1994)
13. Foxing (1992)
14. Surface Cleaning (1992)
15. Hinge, Tape and Adhesive Removal (1992)
16. Washing (1990)
17. Sizing/ Resizing (1988)
18. Parchment Treatments (1994)
19. Bleaching (1989)
20. Alkalization and Neutralization (1985) (Bibliography, Special Consideration 1986)
22. Humidification (Draft 1984)
23. Consolidation /Fixing/ Facing (1988)
24. Backing Removal (1985)
25. Mending (1984)
26. Filling of Losses (1987)
28. Drying and Flattening (Draft 1984)
29. Lining (1988)
30. Inpainting (1994)
40. Matting and Framing (1988)
46. Adhesives (1989)
 PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
(Revised 1994)

The purpose of this project is to compile a catalog of conservation treatments for art and historic ar-
tifacts on paper. The intention is to record a variety of treatment procedures in current use or with a
history of use. It is not intended to establish definitive procedures nor provide step-by-step recipes
for the untrained. An attempt will be made to include a variety of techniques used by AIC Book and
Paper Group members and divergent opinions about particular techniques. Also included are chap-
ters devoted to important related topics such as examination, documentation, housing, and display.
The catalog is designed for practicing paper conservators and is intended as an aid in the decision-
making process. It is understood that the individual conservator is solely responsible for determin-
ing the necessity, safety and adequacy of a treatment for a particular object and must understand
the effect of his or her treatment. Inclusion in the catalog does not constitute an endorsement or ap-
proval of the procedure described.
The catalog is distributed to BPG members in a loose leaf format to permit additions, revisions, and
updates. The project is a collective volunteer effort of the BPG, with members compiling catalog
chapters and making long or short contributions to these chapters. The Editorial Board in
Washington, D.C. meets regularly to review chapter drafts. A list of topics and a standard outline
format have been developed. Treatment chapters are divided into six sections: Purpose, Factors to
Consider, Materials and Equipment, Treatment Variations, Bibliography, and Special Considerations.
The 1984 pilot committee drafted three prototype chapters in the standard format to serve as ex-
amples. From 1985 to 1994, twenty-two additional chapters were completed. Conservators who
know of or use other variants to outlined treatments are asked to contribute information to be
added to existing texts in future printings. Individual conservators are also needed on an ongoing
basis to compile and contribute to new treatment topics. The format is intended to be simple and
flexible enough to encourage paper conservators to contribute any specialized technique or innova-
tion, however broad or narrow in its application.
The catalog itself can be thought of as a goal but the process of writing chapters offers unlimited op-
portunities to exchange large and small amounts of information with our associates. The quality of
this information should be similar to that learned while visiting or working with a colleague and
discussing specific aspects of our work.
The BPG membership has always expressed interest in exchanging information, particularly the
specific techniques and insights gained through practical experience. Until the development of the
Paper Conservation Catalog, there has never been a convenient format available. It is hoped that the
Paper Conservation Catalog will continue to be a useful, attractive, vehicle while also performing
the necessary professional task of recording our body of knowledge.
It is intended that catalog editions be integrated with each other. A new table of contents has been
printed to aid in assembly. Copyright information is included on the inside cover of this edition and
should be retained.
Please contact the Project Director with any questions relating to the catalog. (See AIC directory for
address/telephone number.)

Project Director: Catherine I. Maynor

Sylvia R. Albro, Sarah Bertalan, Antoinette Dwan, Holly Krueger, Elizabeth Coombs Leslie,
Kitty Nicholson, Kimberly Schenck, Ann Seibert, Dianne van der Reyden, Terry Boone Wallis
Editorial Assistant Anne Pierce
*

PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG

CHAPTERS
(Revised 1994)

Following is the list of chapters showing the status of the Catalog at the completion of the second
three-year grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This list, originally drafted
during the 1984 pilot project, has been periodically revised by the Editorial Board to reflect the
needs and interests of the Book and Paper Group membership as the profession has evolved. Some
topics have been added while others, thought to be redundant or otherwise unnecessary, have been
deleted (gaps in numbering reflect these revisions, as well as the intention to leave room for adding
new treatment topics). Topics such as enzyme treatments and suction table treatments are con-
sidered to be core chapters and remain as an incentive to future efforts. Another group of topics,
numbers 42-45, relate to the broader field of collections management and preventive care and have
been addressed to some extent in existing publications. While these topics are enormous, as they
pertain to all conservation specialities, they may be addressed within the catalog at a future time.

* 1. Fiber Identification *24. Backing Removal

2. Media Identification *25. Mending
* Media Problems *26. Filling of Losses
* 4. Support Problems 27. Suction Table Treatments
* 5. Written Documentation *28. Drying and Flattening
* 6. Visual Examination * 29. Lining
9. Instrumental Analysis * 30. Inpainting
* 10. Spot Tests *40. Matting and Framing
* 12. Mold/Fungi 41. Encapsulation
* 13. Foxing 42. Environment
* 14. Surface Cleaning 43. Exhibition/ Storage
* 15. Hinge, Tape and Adhesive Removal 44. Transportation/Packing
* 16. Washing 45. Integrated Pest Management
* 17. Sizing/Resizing *46. Adhesives
18. Parchment Treatments
* 19. Bleaching
*20. Alkalization and Neutralization
21. Enzyme Treatments
*22. Humidification
*23. Consolidation/Fixing/Facing

* Chapter has been printed

(NOTE: DISCARD PREVIOUS CHAPTER LIST)
 PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG
FORMAT
(Reprinted 1994)

Each major topic (chapter) is identified by a specific number to facilitate indexing and
cross-referencing.

Each treatment chapter (12-31) is broken down into six subheadings: Purpose, Factors to
Consider, Materials and Equipment, Treatment Variations, Bibliography, and Special
Considerations. Each of these subheadings can be further outlined, as shown below for 1.4
Treatment Variations:

1. Major Treatment Topic

Definition:
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Factors to Consider
1.3 Materials and Equipment
1.4 Treatment Variations
1.4.1
1.4.2
A.
B.
1.
2.
a.
b. (etc.)
Bibliography
1.6 Special Considerations

The Bibliography can be annotated to the extent that the subject dictates.

Special Considerations can take many forms. It may included extended essays relating to
the material in the preceding chapter. It can offer a critical review of the existing literature or
can evolve into a dialogue between conservators with complementary or dissenting view-
points. Special Considerations material is segregated from the body of the outlined informa-
tion to keep the chapter simple enough for easy reference.
 PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG
PARTICIPANTS
May 1994

Participation is encouraged both for the chapters below and for those which have not yet been
begun. Please review this list and update your interest by contacting the Project Director.

Editorial Board Liaison: Editorial Board contact for a specific chapter. Answers questions
consults with committee, communicates suggestions, etc.
Compiler: Either outlines a specific category, fleshing it out in considerable detail,
or outlines and develops a major topic within a specific chapter.
Contributor. Contributes to discrete areas within a specific chapter. Contribution
can range from a sentence to an essay.
Available for Consultation: Interest in contributing to a specific chapter.

* 1. Fiber Identification (Draft)

Editorial Board Liaison: C. Maynor
Compiler: D. Mayer
Available for Consultation: K. Carey
2. Media Identification
Available for Consultation: T. Burns, K. Carey, M. Cohn, M. Hamill, R. Hill, J. Krill,
D. Mayer, S. Murphy, K Pavelka
* 3. Media Problems (1985)
Compiler: N. Ash
Contributors: B. Aitchison, V. Blyth-Hill, C.W. Bowen, M. Cohn, P. DeSantis, M Ellis,
K Garlick, J. Krill, L. Kruth, M. Mickelson, K. Nicholson, A. Owen, J. Page, L. Schaffer,
M. Watters
* 4. Support Problems (1990)
Editorial Board Liaison: A. Dwan, K Schenck
Compilers: T. Burns Jirat-Wasiutynslci), K Potje
Contributors: N. E. Ash, K Bachmann, C. Ball, K D. Buchberg, R. Douglas, K G. Eirk,
T. Fairbanks,L. Gilliland, M. Hamill, P. Jenkins, A. Maheux, J. Munn, Y. Nishio, S. Page,
L. Olcott Price, C. Rickman, C. Smith, M. Smith, R. Tombs, E. C. Wendelin
* 5. Written Documentation (1994)
Compilers: H. Krueger, S. Melching, K Nicholson
Contributors: C. Bowen, I. Brückle, J. Douglas, R. Futernick, M. Holben Ellis, K Garlick, M.
Hamill, C. Hoevel, M. Holden, H. Holland, J. Klinger, J. Krill, C. Manea, S. Murphy, M.
Pukownick, P. Randolph, N. Carlson Schrock.
* 6. Visual Examination (1986)
Editorial Board I iaison: N. Ash
Compiler: T. Jirat-Wasiutynski
Contributors: N. Ash, C. Bowen, B. Byers, G. Carriveau, M. Cohn, J. Cowan, A Dwan,
T. Fairbanks, it Irvine, D. Kushel, it Lafontaine, A. Maheux, D. van der Reyden, T. Vitale,
E. Walsh, G. Young
9. Instrumental Analysis
Available for Consultation: A. Craddock, S. Melching, M. Mickelson, K Tidwell
* 10. Spot Tests (1990)
Editorial Board Liaison: C. I. Maynor, D. van der Reyden
Compiler: D. D. Mayer
Contributors: C. A. Baker, C. W. Bowen, K. D. Buchberg, T. Burns, J. Carlson, M. Dirda,
A. Driesse, M. Holben Ellis, E. Estabrook, B. Fiske, J. Krill, K D. Lovette, A. Maheux,
H. Maxson, N. McRaney, D. Hess Norris, W. J. Rantanen,L. Samuel, S. Urry, S. Wagner,
J. Weber, M. Kemp Weidner
* 12. Mold/Fungi
Editorial Board Liaison: S. Bertalan
Compilers: M. Wood Lee, L. Olcott Price, S. Bertalan
Contributors: M. Florian, R. Koestler, K. Nicholson, T. Parker, T. Stanlley, H. Szczepanowska,
S. Wagner
* 13. Foxing
Editorial Board Liaison: S. Bertalan
Compilers: J. Derow, A. Owen
Contributors: S. Bertalan, C. E. Cain, R. Danzing, A. Driesse, K. Eirk, M. Holben Ellis,
R. Fishman, B. Fiske, P. Dacus Hamm, N. Heugh, M. Hey, A. King, R. Koestler,J. Krill,
K Lovette, D. Mayer, E. Morse, K Nicholson, N. Rayer, S. Riley, P. Volent, J. Walsh
Questionnaire Respondents: K Eirk, M. Holben Ellis, B. Fiske, N. Heugh, M. Lawson,
E. Morse, H. Otis, M. Shelley, P. Volent
* 14. Surface Cleaning
Editorial Board Liaison: KSchenck
Compilers: S. Duhl, N. Nitzberg
Contributors: R. Arnold, N. Ash, F. Bleckner, K Buchberg, E. Coombs, R. Fallon,
M. Fredericks, J. Krill, J. Mankowski, B. Meierjames/Husby, J. Munn, E. O'Loughlin,
K Pavelka, L. Olcott Price, N. Purinton, E. Kaiser Schulte,Y. Strumfels, S. Wagner,
E. Wendelin, Winterthur Art Conservation Program 1991 first-year students, F. Zieske.
* 15. Hinge, Tape, and Adhesive Removal
Editorial Board Liaison: A. Seibert
Compilers: E. O'Loughlin, L. Stiber
Contributors: S. Albro, N. Ash, S. Bechtold, F. Bleckner, V. Blyth-Hill, E. Buschor,
M. Cleveland, S. Duhl, K Eirk, C. Gaehde, L. Gilliland, J. Goldman, S. Guild, K. Lovette,
H. Maxson, B. Meierjames/Husby, W. Minter, E. Morse, K Nicholson, L. Paisley,
P. Randolph, E. Schulte,M. Sierra, C. Smith, M. Smith, K Tidwell, T. Vitale, J. Walsh,
M. Weidner, J. Weir, E. Wendelin, A. Witty,R. Wolbers, F. Zieske
* 16. Washing
Editorial Board Liaison: S. R. Albro, M. Mickelson, K Nicholson
Compilers: M.W. Harnly, C. Mear, J. E. Ruggles Compilers 1st Draft: C. A. Baker,
L. Carlson, L. E. Hall
Contributors: N. E. Ash, L. Stirton Aust, K Eirk, J. English, P. Dacus Hamm, H. Krueger,
K D. Lovette, P. DeSantis Pell, R. Perkinson, F. Prichett, M. Stevenson, L. S. Stiber,
Y. Strumfels, J. Sugarman, T. J. Vitale, J. C. Walsh, M. Kemp Weidner
* 17. Sizing (1988)
Editorial Board Liaison: D. Hamburg
Compiler: W. Henry
Contributors: T. Albro, N. Ash, C. Baker, S. Barger, T. Barrett, A. Dwan, R. Espinosa,
K Garlick, D. Hamburg, B. Meierjames, J. Munn, K Nicholson, K Orlenko, S. Rogers
Albro, T. Vitale
* 18. Parchment Treatments (1994)
Editorial Board Liaison: T. Boone Wallis
Compilers: A. Quandt, W. Newman
Contributors: T. Albro, N. Bell, F. Bearman, L. Bigrigg, V. Bunting, D. Burns, E. Clancy,
 Compilers: A. Quandt, W. Newman
Contributors: T. Albro, N. Bell, F. Bearman, L. Bigrigg, V. Bunting, D. Burns, E. Clancy,
U. Berger, C. Chahine, T. Cains, C. Clarkson, M. Cobbs, A. Corbach, U. Dreibholz, D. Evetts,
A. Giovannini, E. Hansen, D. Hamburg, M. Lawson, M. Maggin, J. F. Mowery, J. Munn,
K. Nicholson, E. O'Loughlin, C. Paulson, D. E. Peterson, H. Phibbs, L. Price, N. Pickwoad,
N. Southworth, J. Smith, N. Stolow, D. Strahan, H. Szczepanowska, J. Thompson, N. Turner,
D. van der Reyden, H. Wanser, P. Young Randolph.
* 19. bleaching (1989)
Editorial Board Liaison: D. van der Reyden
Compilers: H. Burgess, D. van der Reyden, K. Keyes
Contributors: C. Baker, K. Buchberg, M. Cohn, T. Fairbanks, C. Foster, A. King, J. Krill,
H. Krueger, D. Mayer, G. McKay Lodge, J. Sterrett, M. Stevenson, J. Walsh
* 20. Alkalization and Neutralization (1985) (Bibliography and Special Considerations 1986)
Editorial Board Liaison: K. Nicholson
Compiler: R Couch
Contributors: M. Cohen, A. King, K Nicholson, R. Parliament, R.D. Smith, P. Sparks,
D. van der Reyden
21. Enzyme Treatments
Available for Consultation: P. DeSantis, J. Klinger Freeman, M. Haupt, L. Koehnline,
E.Morse, P. DeSantis Pell, T. Owen, H. Szczepanowska, A. Thenen, R. Wolbers
▪ 22.Humidification (1984)
Compilers: D. Hamburg, D. van der Reyden, T. Vitale
*23. Consolidation /Fixing LFacing (1988)
Editorial Board Liaison/Compiler: S. Rogers Albro
Contributors: S. Bertalan, D. Clement, A. Craddock, A. Dwan, K. Eirk, J. Goldman,
D. Hamburg, D. Hartwell, F. Herrenschmidt, E. Kaiser-Schulte, K. Keyes, J. Krill, C. Maynor,
T.K. McClintock, S. Melching, M. Mickelson, J. Munn, S. Page, F. Prichett, A. Seibert,
J. Sterrett, Y. Strumfels, D. Thomas, T. Vitale, M. Wafters, F. Zieske
▪ 24. Backing Removal (1985)
Editorial Board Liaison: M. Mickelson
Compiler: P. Mohr
Contributors: D. Hamburg, M. Mickelson
▪ 23. Mending (1984)
Compilers: N. Ash, K. Nicholson
▪ 26 . Filling of Losses (1987)
Editorial Board Liaison: M. Mickelson, T. Vitale
Compilers: D. Evans, B. Futernick
Contributors: N. Ash, C. Baker, K Buchberg, M. Cohn, L. Hollander, A. King, J. London,
M. Mickelson, P. Mohr, K Nicholson, F. Perez, S. Rodgers Albro, D. van der Reyden, T. Vitale
27. Suction Table Treatments
Editorial Board Liaison:
Compilers: M. Fills, T. Vitale, M. Weidner
Available for Consultation: V. Blyth-Hill, M. Dirda, R. Futernick, S. Michalski, S. Munro,
L Paisley, J. Ruggler, E. Schulte, C. Smith, J. Stone, S. Zachary
*28. DryinganciElattening (1984)
Compilers: D. Hamburg, T. Vitale
* 29. g (1988)
Editorial Board Liaison: A. Dwan
Compiler: A. Owen
*

Contributors: T. Barrett, B. Fiske, L. Kruth, K. Nicholson, T.K. McClintock, S. Rodgers

Albro, P. Volent
* 30. Inpainting
Compiler: K. Schenck
Contributors: R. Aitchison, J. Bernstein, C. Bowen, I. Brückle, R. Gilman Carpenter,
B. Fiske, C. Foster, C. Gaehde, C. Hoevel, N. Huegh, D. Mayer, H. Maxson, T.K. McClintock,
D. Hess Norris, L. Hill Paisley, Y. Strumfels, P. Volent, J. Walsh.
* 40. Matting qnd Framing (1988)
Editorial Board Liaison: S. Bertalan
Compilers: S. Bertalan, H. Phibbs
Contributors: M. Brown, K. Buchberg, M.B. Cohn, A. Dwan, M. Ellis, B. Fiske, R. Fishman,
U. Hobson, A. King, L. Kruth, M. Lebwohl, H., Maxson, S. Melching, M. Mickelson,
K Nicholson, D.H. Norris, A. Owen, F. Shores, E.K Schulte, D. Thomas, J. Thompson,
D. van der Reyden, P. Volent, F. Zieske
41. Encapsulation
Editorial Board Liaison:
Compilers: C. Atwood, C. Morrow, B. Minter, P. Spitzmueller
Available for Consultation: K. Carey, S. Melching, L. Price, A. Robb, P. Smitzmueller,
T. Taylor, J. Weir, J. Wright
42. Environment
Available for Consultation: J. Krill, S. Melching, K. Pavelka, A. Robb, T. Taylor,
K. Tidwell, E. Wendelin, J. Wright
43. Exhibition / Storage
44. Transportation / Packing
Available for Consultation: V. Blyth-Hill, J. Klinger Freeman, V. Lee, K. Tidwell,
E. Wendelin, J. Wright
45. Integrated Pest Management
Available for Consultation: K. Carey, J. Klinger Freeman, M. Hamill, R. Hill, I. Mankowski,
J. Marri, J. Wright.
46. A dhesives (1989)
Editorial Board Liaison: C. Maynor, D. van der Reyden
Compiler: C. Smith with S. Bertalan, A. Dwan, J. English, C. Nicholson, S. Rodgers Albro,
K. Schenck, L Stiber, S. Wagner
Contributors: C. Baker, M. Baker, L. Carlson, D. Clement, K Eirk, L. Gilliland, D. Hamburg, J.
Krill, D. Mayer, T.K McClintock, F. Mowery, F. Prichett, J. Ruggles, M. Smith, J. Sterrett, D.
Thomas, T. Vitale, P. Volent

*Chapter has been printed.

(NOTE: PLEASE DISCARD PREVIOUS LIST OF PARTICIPANTS)

It is intended that catalog editions be integrated with each other. A new table of
contents will be printed each year to aid in assembly. Copyright information will be
included on the inside cover of all printings and should be retained.

Additional information is sought for and can be contributed to an existing outline at any
time by contacting the compiler or a member of the Editorial Board. Miscellaneous
brief contributions will be printed and added to the end of existing outlines until
sufficient changes and additions have been made to warrant incorporating this
information into the body of the outline and reprinting it.

Please contact the Project Director, Board members, or compilers with your questions,
contributions, or interests in working on the catalog. (See AIC directory for
addresses/telephone numbers.)

Editorial Board:

Project Director: Catherine I. Maynor

Sarah Bertalan Antoinette Dwan Catherine Nicholson

Janet English Sylvia Rodgers Albro Kimberly Schenck
Doris Hamburg Dianne van der Reyden

Editorial Assistant: Karen Kittredge

 PAPER CONSERVATION CATALOG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Statement of Purpose (revised 1989)

List of Categories (revised 1989)

Format (1984)
For Outline Treatment Categories

Participants (I989) (4 pp.)

Printed Categories:

3. Media Problems (1985)

6. Visual Examination (1986)

17. Sizing/Resizing (1988)

19. Bleaching (1989)

20. Alkalization and Neutralization (1985) (Bibliography, Special

Consideration 1986)

22. Humidification (Draft 1984)

23. Consolidation/Fixing/Facing (1988)

24. Backing Removal (1985)

25. Mending (1984)

26. Filling of Losses (1987)

28. Drying and Flattening (Draft 1984)

29. Lining (1988)

40. Matting and Framing (1988)

46. Adhesives (1989)