On Tue, 17 Jan 1995, Sara P. Kelley wrote:
>
> "Dissolve a milk-of-magnesia tablet in 1 qt. club soda overnight.
> Pour into a pan large enough to hold the clippings (flattened).
> Let it soak for one hour.  Carefully remove and pat dry.  Do not move
> until completely dry."
 
I believe this recipe originated with George Cunha, the developer and
director emeritus of NEDCC.  We've been trying to dissuade folks from
using it for at least the past 15 years, because unexpected results can
happen when you combine paper, media, and water and other chemicals.  In
his usual balanced and accurate way, Jack Thompson has provided the
basics.  I'd like to note some warnings and alternatives:
 
-- Expect some cockling (rippling and distortion) as the newspaper
(clippings or sheet) dries.  You may be able to control this by placing
the *nearly dry* clipping between two sheets of undyed blotter paper
under a heavy sheet of glass or under a light sheet of acrylic weighted
with bricks.  The blotter and sheet must be larger than the objects
to be dried/flattened.
 
-- Because it's difficult to predict the reaction of media (ink,
photographic emulsion, paint, etc., etc.) and carrier (paper, cloth,
Tyvek, etc., etc.) to chemicals, including water, you may destroy or
seriously damage the object you're trying to save by treating it
(soaking, dipping, spraying, etc.).
 
-- DO NOT try this with photographs, artworks, letters, blueprints, maps,
or anything else of value to you.  DO NOT dip pamphlets, books, albums, or
scrapbooks.  If you want to experiment with loose newspaper clippings, try
the method first on a clipping that's not important to you to see if you
like the results.  Always photocopy the clippings to be treated onto
alkaline paper using a modern Xerox-type photocopier first.  That way, if
anything goes wrong, you still have the information.
 
-- Don't expect this treatment to lighten, brighten, or make
brittle clippings more flexible.  It will only neutralize some of the
acids that have formed and slow future deterioration.
 
-- In most cases, a preservation photocopy (xerographic copy on permanent,
durable, alkaline paper) will provide a more satisfactory long-term
record than the original newsprint.
 
I know, I know, it's more information than anyone wants.  If you've used
this strategy with success, that's great.  I've seen painful
examples of materials lost the same way.  Call if you have questions.
 
_________________________________
 
Karen Motylewski                                508-470-1010
Northeast Document Conservation Center          508-475-6021 fax
100 Brickstone Square                           <[log in to unmask]>
Andover, MA 01810                               Use KM in subject field