How do you get rid of foxing in a book?
Removing the marks of foxing should generally be left to a skilled book conservator or preservationist. Experts may choose one of two approaches to reverse foxing: Using a reducing agent, such as sodium borohydride, on the paper.
What does the term foxing mean?
: brownish spots on old paper.
Does foxing on books spread?
Foxing is an age-related process that causes reddish-brown spots and stains on old paper. Unlike mold, foxing usually occurs evenly over the pages and cannot spread to other books or items.
Why do books get foxing?
The term ‘foxing’ describes disfiguring small yellow brown spots or blotches on paper. Two main causes are mould and iron contaminants in the paper. Moulds feed on the paper itself, as well as any dirt or organic material on it, for example, finger marks, food stains and squashed insects.
Is foxing mold?
Foxing is the result of both mold and metal contaminants in paper. Foxing appears as brown, yellow, or red stains on the paper, often in spidery spots or blotches.
How do you deodorize a book?
Place a cup of baking soda or an opened box in a plastic box or bin with a lid. Put the book in the box with the baking soda and close the lid. Leave it for 48-72 hours, then check on the book. Repeat until the odor is gone.
Is foxing harmful?
Foxing is not known to damage the structural integrity of the paper either, it’s a cosmetic problem and is best left untreated. Removing it bleaching and such does damage the paper. Mold spots tend to be black, purple, pink, or green stains, or biig brown blotches (not fox marks).
Is Book foxing mold?
Is foxing on books normal?
Foxing is an age-related process of deterioration that causes spots and browning on old paper documents such as books, postage stamps, old paper money and certificates. Although unsightly and a negative factor in the value of the paper item for collectors, foxing does not affect the actual integrity of the paper.
Can foxing be removed?
Foxing can be treated well without compromising the paper support or pigments. However, usually to remove foxing completely you need to use a conservation standard bleaching agent.
Will baking soda damage a book?
Bicarbonate of Soda is extremely versatile and has many useful properties, but you’ll need to be very careful when using it on old books. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and could scratch the delicate pages of an old book. Do not pour baking soda onto the pages of the books because it will scour it and damage the book.
How do you freshen old books?
