When inks or pigments are fugitive, the alternative is to deacidify the paper by spraying on a solution of magnesium bicarbonate. After the paper has been cleaned and the proper pH level restored, the paper may need to be re-sized or reinforced by backing it with a thin tissue. Restoration involves techniques to repair damage such as tears, acid burn, stains, foxing, and water damage. Certain restoration methods such as the removal of tape and the repair of tears are often necessary if a paper is to be preserved. However, the removal of stains or the replacement of faded pigments are aesthetic considerations and are a matter of personal choice.
Encapsulation involves placing the paper between two pieces of polyester film.
The sides are sealed except for a small air passages at the corners. These air passages are necessary to prevent condensation of moisture within the package. Encapsulation is an excellent way to store and display family letters, documents, and newspaper clippings. The encapsulated paper can then be bound into albums or stored in a flat box. In conservation framing, no materials or techniques are used that cannot be reversed, leaving the paper undamaged and in its original state.