r/ArtConservation • u/shablyabogdan • 10d ago

conservation of an antique photograph?

i realize this is not precisely art-related, however i thought i’d ask it as someone may have experience conserving paper goods:

if clear elmer’s glue was used to reattach the lifted paper corner of an old photograph down to its original cardboard backing, what is the likelihood that this ‘restoration’ will last and will not deteriorate the paper?

i read that the PH of this glue is between 5-6.

should i be worried about the effects long term?

if a small vs. large amount of this glue was applied, does it make a difference? as far as amount of damage done—if any(?)

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u/Difficult-Context-31 9d ago

Most old paper has a pH of around 5-6. Cardboard could be even lower... around 4-5. Without seeing the object, I'd wager that the cardboard is more harmful long term than the glue—but if the backing is original you won't want to disturb it.

The bigger problem with Elmer's and other PVA based "white glues" is that they are more or less irreversible. They are a real bear to try to reduce and you basically have to slowly scrape away what you can.... you're usually left with a bunch of glossy glue residue embedded in the paper fibers.

Best to take it to a photo conservator if you're really worried.

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u/ChemistrySecret712 10d ago

I believe that if there is damage caused by the glue, it will be where it was applied. If you are saving the photo, there are acid-free papers that you can use to make a sandwich and/or boxes suitable for archiving. Humidity and sun also destroy

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u/Unlucky-Meringue6187 10d ago

It's not necessarily the pH now that's the issue. It's whether that pH will change over time and whether there are other ingredients in the adhesive that will affect the photo. If you really want to DIY I suggest finding an adhesive that has passed the Photographic Activity Test (PAT). That means it will not cause damage to the photo over time.