As I mentioned over on the [thread=626509] Military Newbie is sent for Prop Wash [/thread] thread, I just found my old Equator Crossing / Shellback certificate. I’ve a bunch of other diplomas and certificates I really ought to frame and hang, and it would be a hoot to do the same for this thing. However, it has clearly been damp at some point - occupational hazard, I suppose - and there is fine greenish and orange-ish mildew on the thing.
Is there any sort of restoration that can be done?
Do you have a scientific library (university or state library) near you? If they have old documents, they should be able to recommend you an expert.
Mildew on paper is very complicated and tricky. I would hand it over to theIBR, but you’re probably a bit farther away.
If you can’t find a good bookbinder or restaurator, a solution at least stopping the process would be to scan the document, print out a good replica for framing, and put the original into an airtight ziplock bag - but look for special archivar plastic, so as not to emit any gases.
scanning it is a very good idea and to display the printout.
UV light will kill active mildew. sunlight and dry air will help arrest the mildew.
Hm. A short swim in liquid nitrogen might work as well, I suppose.
I have heard that dry ice blasting can remove mold and mildew from antique books without damaging the substrate. Having never seen this done, I can’t speak firsthand about its effectiveness, but if the document is important enough to you it may be worth it to investigate.
If the mildew is not too severe:
First test a small spot to see if it works at all. This won’t take off a heavy coat of mold.
Almost 10 years ago as a test I ran a letter sized, slightly wrinkled mildewed document through my HP Laserjet 4 as a blank page. The heat and calendering from the fuser rollers straightened it out and killed the mold dead. Won’t help discoloring though.
Actually, I’m fine with the discoloration, it adds to the look. I just don’t want people dropping dead with some esoteric crypt-related disease while standing in my office.
You also don’t want the mold to continue, or you eventually won’t have a document remaining to look discolored.
I’m advising a stint out in full sunlight (at least 2 hours) and see how it looks then. If it still smells moldy, then go with the bleach solution TriPolar suggested.
My only addition would be that when you dry it out from the bleach solution, leave it to dry in the shade, not the sun this time, or the bleach will be more likely to yellow and fade the actual colors of the document as well as killing off the mold.