Cleaning old drawings requires a gentle approach to preserve their integrity, typically involving dry methods for surface dust and, in specific cases, more intensive chemical treatments for stubborn stains.
Gentle Dry Cleaning for Surface Dust and Grime
The safest and most common first step for cleaning old drawings is a dry method, which effectively removes superficial dust, dirt, and light smudges without introducing moisture that could damage delicate paper or pigments. This method is ideal for most general cleaning needs.
Step-by-Step Dry Cleaning Process
For effective dry cleaning, proceed with care:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure you have a clean, flat surface to work on. Avoid eating or drinking near the artwork.
- Gather Supplies: You'll need soft, non-abrasive tools such as art gum erasers, kneaded erasers, or specialized eraser powder, along with a soft brush (like a drafting brush or clean cosmetic brush) to remove residue.
- Apply Eraser Powder (if using): Gently sprinkle a small amount of eraser powder directly onto the dusty or soiled areas of the drawing.
- Work in Circular Motions: Using your clean finger or a soft rag, gently work the eraser powder over the soiled areas with small, circular movements. The powder particles will absorb and lift the dirt.
- Remove Residue: Once you've worked over the area, carefully brush away the eraser powder and any lifted grime using a soft brush. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can abrade the paper surface.
- Test Other Erasers (Optional): For more localized marks, a kneaded eraser can be gently dabbed or rolled over the spot to lift dirt without rubbing. Art gum erasers can also be used for light surface cleaning, but always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Best Practices for Dry Cleaning
- Always Test First: Before applying any cleaning method to the main drawing, test it on a very small, inconspicuous area, such as an edge or a non-drawn margin, to ensure it doesn't cause discoloration or damage.
- Work on a Clean Surface: Place the drawing on a clean, stable surface to prevent further contamination during cleaning.
- Use Acid-Free Materials: Ensure any erasers or brushes are clean and free of oils or residues that could transfer to the drawing. Specialized drafting or art erasers are usually acid-free.
- Avoid Excessive Pressure: Old paper can be brittle. Apply minimal pressure to prevent tearing, creasing, or damaging the paper fibers.
Addressing Stubborn Stains with Bleaching (Use Extreme Caution)
For significant discoloration, yellowing, or persistent stains that dry cleaning cannot address, a more intensive chemical treatment like bleaching might be considered. This method carries substantial risks and should generally only be attempted by experienced conservators.
Preparing a Bleach Solution
If this intensive method is pursued, it involves preparing a highly diluted bleach solution:
- Dilution: The document is dipped in a bath of bleach diluted in water. It is crucial to use a maximum of one cupful of bleach per liter of water to minimize damage.
Risks and Professional Advice
- Severe Damage Potential: Bleaching can significantly weaken paper fibers, cause irreversible color changes to the artwork, and leave harmful chemical residues that will continue to degrade the paper over time if not properly neutralized and rinsed.
- Fading and Alteration: Inks, pigments, and original paper tones can be drastically altered or completely removed by bleach.
- Professional Consultation: Due to the high risk of permanent damage, it is strongly recommended to consult a professional paper conservator or art restorer before attempting any chemical treatment, including bleaching, on valuable or delicate old drawings. They possess the expertise, specialized equipment, and controlled environment necessary to perform such treatments safely and effectively.
General Tips for Handling Old Drawings
Proper handling and storage are crucial for preventing future damage and preserving your old drawings.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Handle with Gloves: Use clean cotton or nitrile gloves to prevent transferring oils and dirt from your hands to the artwork. | Touch Artwork Directly: Oils, acids, and dirt from fingers can stain and degrade paper over time. |
| Work on a Clean, Stable Surface: Ensure your workspace is free of dust, food, or liquids. | Eat or Drink Near Artwork: Accidental spills can cause irreparable damage. |
| Store Flat: Store drawings flat in acid-free folders or archival boxes to prevent creasing, bending, or distortion. | Roll or Fold: This can cause permanent creases and cracks in the paper and media. |
| Use Archival Materials: Frame or store drawings with acid-free mats, backing boards, and UV-filtering glass to protect against environmental damage. | Expose to Direct Sunlight: UV light causes fading and embrittlement of paper and pigments. |
| Control Environment: Store in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity to prevent mold growth, warping, and embrittlement. | Store in Attics/Basements: These areas often have extreme temperature/humidity fluctuations and pest risks. |
Seeking Professional Restoration
For drawings that are significantly damaged, discolored, brittle, or of high historical or monetary value, the best course of action is to seek professional paper conservation services. Conservators can perform treatments like deacidification, stain removal, tear repair, and overall stabilization, ensuring the drawing's longevity without compromising its artistic or historical integrity.
