Removing Oxidation

What sometimes looks like Foxing or Mildew...not always is, there is a definite difference.

Oxidation is the interaction between oxygen molecules and all the different substances they may contact, from metal to living tissue.

Illustrations in early printing were printed from wood block which progressed into copper plates which progressed into engravings on steel. The copper plates are the problem as oxidation occurs in copper, the result is a greenish coating on the metal called copper oxide but on paper it becomes a brownish hue.

The secret of preventing oxidation is to provide a layer of protection between the exposed material and the air, the only way of doing this with paper is to tip in a "tissue guard" between the engraving and the next page, the tissue will oxidiate over time as will the plate but not the next page.
Experts agree that like foxing, to successfully neutralize and remove oxidation is impossible....

Well almost

 

 

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