Posted By:
LauraGlue, an archivists little demon.
I am in the process of deconstructing a scrapbook from 1891. It's a challenge indeed. If you soak, you run the risk of ink loss. If you pull, you run the risk of skinned backs. Stamp lifter only works if there's nothing glued to the opposite side. Then drying cards is also a challenge, it's not work for the impatient!
I know soaking is a hotly debated topic, with it's pros and cons. But sometimes you have to soak, no other way to get things out or off.
My tools include: a large glass or metal pan, very clean; not quite boiling water; a medium bristle brush (for removing glue from backs without burning your fingers); a very sharp thin knife to fillet the card from the paper; metal tongs to lift out the album pages; good quality (thick!) blotter paper; two large pieces of clean, non treated wood (to put the blotter paper between); heavy weights to hold down the drying cards; and the requisite patience.
I have been wondering if there is a better way. Feel free to jump in and educate me if you know of one! My goal is always a card or item in the best condition I can get it, with the least amount of loss or damage.