Preservation and Care of Philatelic Materials
Subsidiary Page
12
Sizing, Toning Paper, and Determination of Paper Grain
Sizing
If a paper has lost its original sizing and has become soft, it will need to be re-sized. This
will restore its surface and will lessen, or in some cases remove, brown stains. For sizing,
use a large shallow enamelled pan as a sizing bath. The sizing bath should be set into a
frame to elevate the pan so that an alcohol lamp can be placed underneath. The sizing
bath must be hot. The sheets of paper should be clean and clear, as sizing will not remove
markings but will fix them on the paper.
Soak one ounce of pure gelatin overnight in a little more than a quart of water. Heat
slowly to 120 degrees F., and keep the solution at this temperature. Strain the solution
through a fine sieve. When the sizing is ready to use, a slight stickiness is felt when a drop
or two of the sizing is placed between thumb and index finger. If the liquid is too sticky,
add water. Size will keep several days if covered.
When the size is ready, pour it into the pan under which a flame has been placed to
maintain temperature. Lay one sheet of paper at a time in the hot size. Other sheets can
be placed on top of the first and subsequent sheets.
The sheets may be removed from the bath almost immediately unless water stains are to be
removed, in which case the sheets should be left in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes. The
sheets of paper should be placed between white blotting papers to dry. If the sheets do not
dry within a day, the blotting paper should be changed. Fragile sheets of paper should be
handled by being placed on a plastic sheet. When dry, light pressing is needed to flatten
the paper.
Toning Paper
It may be necessary to tone a piece of paper to match other papers. There are
several simple techniques. Coffee produces an opaque brownish hue. Tea results
in a limpid brown. Permanganate of potash gives a yellowish tone. The latter is
very powerful and therefor the solution should be weak. All toning agents are
put in the size. Be certain to sample the solution in order to have the correct
resulting color of the paper. Unprinted newspaper is best for testing and should
be allowed to dry thoroughly in order to judge the resulting color accurately.
Determining the Paper Grain
Hold the full sheet of paper lightly with the two opposite ends placed against the palms of
the hands, and move the ends against the middle so as to feel its resistance. Then hold the
other two ends and test in the same way. There will be lest resistance bending with the
grain. Another method is to crease the paper in both directions. The crease following the
grain will be smooth and tight. A final test may be necessary. Dampen a piece of paper on
both sides with a sponge. Let the paper dry. As the paper dries, it will curl in the
direction of the grain.
END OF SUBSIDIARY PAGE 12
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