The paper conservation unit should include a large sink, 1.60 meters x 0.84 meters x 0.15 meters. This should be constructed from stainless steel with corrosion-free welds. The sink should have hot and cold filtered water provided through a kitchen-type faucet and a flexible spray. This sink should be used only for the aqueous treatment of paper. Under no circumstances should it be used for washing brushes or food/drink containers. The water supply should travel through multi-stage filters to remove particulates and metals.
There should be a large folding, mobile metal rack for drying materials after washing. This can also be used for drying water-damaged materials.
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Many activities such as paste making require the heating of solutions, for which an electric hot plate, small stove, or electric paste maker similar to one designed for sauce can be used. |
At least two standard benches will be needed, even if the unit is staffed by one conservator. The water supply entering the room should be run through multi-stage filters to reduce particulates and most metals. It is also useful to have rolling tables for use in both the book and paper conservation units. Smaller items include plastic photograph development trays for use in washing and alkalizing paper in the sink, and screens to fit the trays for supporting paper. Non-ferrous metal should be used in the fittings or fastenings. These screens are similar to window screens and must be made to fit in the largest plastic trays. Two screens should be slightly smaller than the large sink to handle oversize objects. Thick plexiglass/perspex sheets of various sizes are needed for pressing of paper sheets along with a stainless steel hand-held spray for wetting material. |
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A paper press can be obtained or made. This is a large wooden press for applying modest pressure to flat objects; the press should be mounted on a bench or table constructed for this purpose. Complementary pressing boards can also be made and lined on both sides with a plastic laminate. The unit will need ten boards 1.22 meters x 0.76 meters, ten boards to fit the steel presses in the bindery, and ten boards to fit the paper press. A mobile suction table incorporating stainless steel or plastic mesh should also be available. Materials are laid flat on its surface. Strong suction from below aids flattening and draws solvents through the paper fibers. |
A humidification chamber can be homemade (see CONSERVATION) or purchased. The manufactured type incorporates a plastic chamber into which water vapor can be issued. Because this type of chamber is often used with the suction table, it should be designed to fit the table area.
Another necessary piece of equipment is a welder, either ultrasonic or radio. Both types attach polyester film at the edge to help encapsulate and protect badly deteriorated documents (see CONSERVATION). The ultrasonic type is expensive but allows more flexibility. The radio welder uses heat to create the seal. Both welders need to be mounted, ideally on mobile tables.
The leaf caster combines paper pulp and suction for mechanical filling of holes and losses in paper. If the caster doesn't have a special sink installed, it should be placed immediately adjacent to a sink.
