Water and (gasp!) OJs
 

I just received a beautiful OJ that has some paper stuck on the back from scrapbook removal. I know you can't soak them because of the photo, and I would assume that means you also can't get water on the front.

But how does the back of an OJ react to water? Can I use a damp cotton swab to remove some of the stuck-on paper? Does the card stock stain? Does it pill up? I tried taking paper off the back of an A&G Birds of the World card, and on those it's a fine line between where you're taking off excess paper and where the card back itself starts to disintegrate.

I'll post a pic of the front later today.

Thanks for any advice from the experts (maybe some sadder but wiser).

Bill

You should be able to soak any of the A&G chromolitho cards easily. Have done it DOZENS of times to pull paper off or cards off album pages with great results unless the glue used is like a horse glue. As for OJ's, someone else can contribute but I think you could get paper off the back with a cotton swab without any major damage or discoloration.

Bump to top.

Can't help you on recommendation but would like to see the front (and back) scan.

Another option would be to leave the paper on the back. The front is all most care about when it comes to OJs. You may be disappointed if you are trying to improve the grade by removing the paper. The glue and remaining stain/damage may place it at the same grade level as if you leave it alone. May not be worth the risk.

OJ pics
 

Joe,

Here are pics of the front and back.

Bill

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...2-Dealey-f.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...2-Dealey-b.jpg

I'd just leave it alone - it kind of adds a little character to it. You're really not going to improve the card much by removing the extra paper and you might actually end up making it less persentable.

I vote for "Leave it alone" as well. Too much risk for little or no reward...that glue looks like it ain't coming off without a fight.

I agree with "leave it alone", the nice front image is the key with OJ's, the back is in pretty good shape for an OJ.

Thanks, guys. I'm convinced. Leave it alone. This card is a good example of how scrapbooks can preserve cards.

Bill