Sharing a bath with Art Fletcher: A novice soaks a T205

[mattsey9]

I won a cheap T205 which had long ago been pasted into a scrapbook and wanted to see if I could soak off the paste and preserve the back. I failed to do so. Here’s a photographic essay of my efforts.

Before:





The back looked clean, so hopefully the paste would peel away leaving an intact back.

The bath:



I held it down until it stopped floating. I then let it set for two hours.

The peel:



I could read the back, but it was on the debris part. The back had stuck to the paper. I then wrapped it in a paper towel. First for an hour, then I changed the dressing and dried it for 24 hours. I did that twice. Here's the finished product.

The reveal:





It was an interesting try, but I don't think I did a very good job. I'd never have the patience to do another attempt, and I would likely be petrified at the prospect of trying it with a really valuable card.

[Leon]

That's a bummer. Can't say I remember having that severe of a consequence. I am sure it happens though (as evidenced ).

Originally Posted by mattsey9

I won a cheap T205 which had long ago been pasted into a scrapbook and wanted to see if I could soak off the paste and preserve the back. I failed to do so. Here’s a photographic essay of my efforts.

Before:





The back looked clean, so hopefully the paste would peel away leaving an intact back.

The bath:



I held it down until it stopped floating. I then let it set for two hours.

The peel:



I could read the back, but it was on the debris part. The back had stuck to the paper. I then wrapped it in a paper towel. First for an hour, then I changed the dressing and dried it for 24 hours. I did that twice. Here's the finished product.

The reveal:





It was an interesting try, but I don't think I did a very good job. I'd never have the patience to do another attempt, and I would likely be petrified at the prospect of trying it with a really valuable card.

[conor912]

Look at the bright side....It doesn't look any worse!

[rhettyeakley]

warm to hot water next time. Some will disagree but that works better.

[obcbobd]

I agree warm water. Also, when wrapping it in paper towels did you have weight on top of the card? I usually put a hardcover book and then add about 10-15lbs of weights. I also change the paper towels 2-3 times (first time after 10-15 minutes) before letting it stay overnight

[mattsey9]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

warm to hot water next time. Some will disagree but that works better.

I'll remember that. I definitely weighted down the card when drying.

[ZenPop]

Completely ignorant question on my part:

If the point is to try to remove the glue... via heating it... what happens if you microwave a card? Does it destroy the card?

[Jobu]

Matt - you describe one of the steps as "The Peel". Did you actually pull the attached paper off the back of the card? If so, then that is a good way to guarantee that you pull the back off.