PRESERVATION OF WALLPAPERS AS PARTS OF INTERIORS

Preservation of wallpaper as a part of interiors
4.2.10. Washing
Since it is not possible to wash wallpapers preserved in situ,
washing can only be carried out on dismounted wallpapers.
Washing is the most effective way to decrease the amount of
degradation products on the paper. However, it is not appropriate
for every wallpaper, since washing may lead to dissolving
the paint media and sizes, 364 which will alter the wallpaper’s
appearance. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out solubility
testing on the media, coating and varnishes prior to any
aqueous treatment.
The larger and more fragile the object, the more complicated
the washing treatment. When wet, paper will become
significantly more fragile, particularly embrittled poor quality
or thin Chinese wallpapers. A combination of wet treatment
procedures, such as consolidation, facing, washing and lining,
is recommended, as this reduces the risk of a weakened support
and media through repeated wetting. 365
To wash wallpapers, three standard techniques can be used:
blotterwashing, float washing and immersion. However, blotter
washing was the only method used to wash certain research
objects of the thesis study.
Blotter washing is suitable for large, brittle and moderately
water-sensitive wallpapers that cannot be treated by the float
washing method. Wallpaper supported by a piece of Hollytex
or ParaFil is placed with the printed side up onto two to three
layers of acid-free blotter paper, which should be bigger than
the object itself. After the wallpaper is evenly sprayed with a
thin mist of distilled water, the blotters are left to absorb the
excessive moisture, which loosens impurities and degradation
products, and the components of internal and surface sizing.
(Fig. 90) In addition, it helps to keep the object flat. Impurities
not absorbed by the blotters should be removed manually by
gently dabbing the surface of the wallpaper with cotton swabs
or paper tissue. (Fig. 91)
364
Collier, “Wallpaper – In and Out of Context”, 56.
365
Ibid., 57.
192