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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Hello Everyone,
I have a newspaper that was printed in 1989. On the front page is a picture of a good friend doing a levitation. The picture is very large and would look great in a picture frame. The paper has started to turn yellow and I would like to know if anyone knows of a method of preserving it. My friend passed away not to long ago and I really would like to have this newspaper article framed. Is there a way to keep the paper from decaying? Thanks, Ray Noble |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Hi Ray,
Yes, you can preserve it by having it laminated. It's very inexpensive and can usually be done at any print shop. Unless you know someone that works in the education field as most Elementary and High Schools have laminators for staff to use. You can have it laminated - seals it in airtight plastic covering. If you do the newspaper alone it tends to become flimsy and can bend easily which may leave creases. You could also adhere a backing of some type to it - strong newspaper stock. Don't use tape but thin glue however, as anything thick will show through on the laminate. I laminate often, especially photographs and art work to frame. I often allow kids to view them and don't worry about them getting fingerprints as the laminate can easily be wiped clean. Good Luck! Chrystal |
Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Thanks for writing,
Isn't Laminate those clear sticky plastic looking stuff? Maybe I am thinking of Acetate. Don't this laminate eat the paper after a few years? Ray |
Leland Stone Inner circle 1204 Posts |
Hiya, Ray:
Newspaper self-digests, a characteristic of the manufacturing processes and materials used to create the stuff (wood cellulose+acid=newspaper; newspaper+time=yellow cellulose). If you're REALLY serious about preserving this paper, you can get archival spray at some art shops/scrapbooking supply stores. Bounce over to the Library Of Congress Web site first, though, and see if they offer any tips on preservation: http://www.loc.gov Leland |
daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
You have come to the right place! The old Daff knows how to do this.
You need to remove the acidity from the paper to preserve it. Here's how you do it. Dissolve a milk of magnesia tablet in a quart of club soda overnight. Next, Pour it into a pan large enough to accomadate the newspaper. Perhaps a paint roller pan. Next, put a piece of nylon net in the pan beneath the clipping. Soak for up to one hour. Using the net, remove carefully and let dry. (the net prevents tearing of the now very fragile paper!) Pat dry. Do not move the paper until completely dry. Place a weight on top of the paper when it is semi dry to prevent curling. And that is how it is done, my friend! Good luck!
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Forget preserving it - COPY it onto something more permanent. A commercial reproduction house (someplace that does blueprints, photostats, and - most important - film negatives, can do the job very well.
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Partizan Inner circle London UK 1682 Posts |
I would combine some suggestions.
Firstly I would scan it at high resolution. This allows archival and reproduction ad infintum. plus you can correct any foxing and blemishes. The original (not true as many were printed per run) I would look at what daffydoug says.
"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
- Mark Twain |
Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Daffydoug,
How in the world did you know how to do that crazy sounding method? I will try it then laminated it as Chrystal has suggested. Thanks for your help guys and gal. Rossmacrae, you stated, "Forget preserving it - COPY it" I did think of this but it is not the same as having the real deal. Thanks again everyone, Ray Noble |
daffydoug Eternal Order Look mom! I've got 14077 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-08-24 22:14, Magical Dimensions wrote: Daffy Doug. Knows all sees all.
The difficult must become easy, the easy beautiful and the beautiful magical.
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Quote:
Firstly I would scan it at high resolution. Of course! Why didn't I think of that? Cheaper, and more permanent! Be sure to save a backup of the file. |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Quote:
I did think of this but it is not the same as having the real deal. So do both ... you'll be glad later. I wish I had been more careful about preserving some things reminding me of my now-deceased best friend (my older son's godfather) - he doesn't remember him, and I would like to have been better able to share my memories of him. |
Partizan Inner circle London UK 1682 Posts |
Rossmacrae, you stated, "Forget preserving it - COPY it" I did think of this but it is not the same as having the real deal.
YOU DON'T HAVE THE REAL DEAL ANYWAY!!! What you have is a copy in a newspaper and they printed thousands. You can go to the archives and get it reprinted if you wished. I just don't see your logic that a photocopy or scan is inferior to what you have now. Also note that lamination is a destructive method of preservation, you can never hold the "original" again.
"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
- Mark Twain |
rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
Nonetheless, there's a certain something about having the actual artifact in your presence, regardless of your ability to touch it or experience it as it was originally.
Would you rather be able to display a lock of Houdini's hair in a glass case, or touch and hold a scan of it? |
Partizan Inner circle London UK 1682 Posts |
A lock of Houdini's hair is not a mass produced product, nor can it be reproduced cheaply.
The article in question was one copy of tens of thousands. Why not contact the archive and get them to send a pristine copy.
"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."
- Mark Twain |
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