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 is there to collect the oxidation and 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
Next Page Book Binding and Limited Editions
Paul regularly puts completed commissions on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Period-Fine-Bindings/237653069641955?ref=hl
All content and copyright are the property of Paul Tronson
Period Fine Bindings 1983 - Infinity All rights reserved.
This is wonderful work and the results are amazing. Very useful for many applications. Not just books, but photographs and art prints. Wish I knew someone who could repair some things of mine. Living in FL wreaks havoc on paper possessions, not just from mildew, but silverfish. I have a print that I have saved in a dry wood lacquered box for years, and when I finally decided to frame it, the white border is covered with the palest of yellow spots. I cannot find anyone to repair it.
Posted by: Pam | July 17, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Hello I'm very interested in how to remove some oxidation and foxin from drawing paper, is there any chance to know your recipe? Thank you
Posted by: Pablo | October 18, 2012 at 10:51 AM
I would like to know how to remove foxing from my prints
Posted by: sylvia | November 14, 2012 at 06:53 PM