How to care for paper and books Tiakitanga o te taonga pepa
Works on paper include watercolours, prints, drawings, documents, maps, books, wallpapers, playing cards, and fans.
Handling
Handle paper objects with clean hands or cotton gloves.
Storing and displaying
Store paper objects in a cool, dry, and dark space where a regular temperature can be maintained. Temperature fluctuations may cause damage over time.
Protect paper from too much light, which causes fading and creates a chemical reaction that weakens the paper.
Use acid-free storage boxes, frames, or supports. Acidity causes significant darkening, brittleness, and foxing (the appearance of small brown stains).
Keep spaces well cleaned to protect objects from dust, pests, and insects.
Store paper objects flat rather than rolled or folded.
Labelling
To label paper, use a 2B pencil rather than ink, which can seep into the paper.
More resources
National Library of New Zealand: Books
National Library of New Zealand: Artworks on Paper
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: Documents and Art on Paper