Is there a recipe and process for re-sizing washed book pages?

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I washed some badly stained pages of a book I’m working to restore. However, after washing the pages seem limp and thin.  What is the process for re-sizing washed book pages or prints?  Is there a recipe for either Methyl Cellulose or Gelatin sizing?

John Flynn

 

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Posted by (Questions: 2, Answers: 0)
Asked on January 8, 2020 5:23 pm
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A simple recipe is to mix a half teaspoon of Methyl Cellulose powder into 2 cups of very hot water and stir like crazy. (the water should be clean obviously) 
Maybe add a bit more of the powder if you double or triple this recipe. The actual recipe calls for .527 teaspoons per 2 cups.
Keep it in a sealed container after it cools down. Pour out a bit into a separate container instead of dipping directly into it.
 
Fortuitously, I just started carrying Methyl Cellulose powder on this website. It is 2.5 Tablespoons for $4.99
To really take care of your pages you could get fancy and add calcium hydroxide to change the pH but then you should really get exact and figure what is needed precisely through chemical analysis. This is what Conservators are for!

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Posted by (Questions: 1, Answers: 220)
Answered on January 12, 2020 2:44 pm
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    Dear Sophia and John,

    Sorry to bud in your question. I am about to start the 'paper & page repair' section of the course (and did a little walk-through of what we are covering). And I was wondering where paper washing is covered? And if it is not may I suggest this subject for a next video? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

    Thank you very much.

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    Carlijn Bakker Posted by (Questions: 14, Answers: 16)
    Answered on March 31, 2022 3:59 am
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      I don't have a course on paper washing specifically yet. I believe in the YouTube video on FairyTales restoration there is a bit on it.  I hope to be back to making more courses in a few months. I am finishing grad school just now. (2022)

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      Posted by (Questions: 1, Answers: 220)
      Answered on April 2, 2022 7:34 am
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        That is exciting news! Extra courses coming and you almost graduating! Congratulations!

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        Carlijn Bakker Posted by (Questions: 14, Answers: 16)
        Answered on April 3, 2022 2:28 am
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