How We Restore Antique and
Fine Art Prints
Every print has a unique history, which is why ACA Paper Restoration follows a personalized restoration process for every project. Whether you're preserving a valuable fine art print, an antique lithograph, a family heirloom, or a collectible work on paper, our experienced paper conservators carefully evaluate each piece and develop a treatment plan designed to preserve its integrity, stability, and long-term value.
The restoration process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your print. Our conservators assess the artwork to identify existing damage, determine the causes of deterioration, and recommend the most appropriate conservation treatments.
During the evaluation, we examine:
- The printing process and type of artwork
- The age, condition, and composition of the paper
- Surface dirt, staining, foxing, mold, water damage, and discoloration
- Tears, creases, losses, folds, and structural damage
- Tape residue, adhesives, backing materials, and framing damage
- Previous restoration or conservation work
- Ink, pigment, and media stability
Because every work on paper is different, each evaluation is customized to the specific needs of the artwork.
After the evaluation, we develop a detailed restoration and conservation plan outlining the recommended treatments, estimated timeline, and project cost. Our team explains each recommendation and answers any questions before work begins, ensuring you understand the restoration process and expected results.
Once approved, our conservators begin the restoration process using professional conservation techniques and archival-quality materials. Depending on the condition of your artwork, treatments may include:
- Surface cleaning to remove dirt and contaminants
- Deacidification to help slow future deterioration
- Flattening and humidification to reduce folds and distortions
- Tear repair and structural stabilization
- Mold remediation when appropriate
- Removal of damaging tape, adhesives, mats, and backing materials
- Stain reduction and discoloration treatment when possible
- Conservation treatments designed to improve the longevity of the print while preserving its originality
Every treatment is performed with the goal of preserving the historical, artistic, and monetary value of the original artwork whenever possible.
Before your project is completed, every restored print undergoes a final inspection to ensure the recommended treatments have been successfully completed and the artwork is stable for long-term preservation.
Our conservators also provide recommendations for proper handling, archival framing, display, transportation, and storage to help protect your restored print from future damage caused by light, humidity, pollutants, or improper handling.
Need Professional Print and Document Restoration?
Let us bring your work on paper back to life!
