Hulk 180 Conservation: The Washing and Aqueous Deacidification of Paper by Margaret Hey (1979). P3/4

Demonstrating a paper conservation technique called deacidification, using a method described by Margaret Hey in a 1979 paper. Here's a summary of the process: 1. Pre-washing: Spray the paper wrap with warm water (around 40°C) to saturate it and allow the water to penetrate fully. This step helps remove initial soluble acidity from the paper. 2. Deacidification: Apply a calcium hydroxide solution (half-strength) to the paper. This solution has a high pH (around 11-12) and helps neutralize the acidity in the paper fairly fast due in part to the pre-wetting first step. 3. Drying and pressing: Dry the paper wrap with paper towels and place in a press to flatten and dry further. This method is effective in removing acidity and depositing an alkaline reserve in the paper, which will help preserve it over time. The technique can save time and labor by combining pre-washing and deacidification steps without intermediate drying.