How to Remove Coke Stains From an Art Print

Some stains can be covered with a thicker mat under the frame.

An art print is a reproduction of a piece using a printing process such as silk screen. Soda products are water-based and can damage the fiber in the paper as well as stain the surface of the print. Wiping the area down with water is a poor choice because it contains sediment that can cause further staining. The answer is to try to remove the stain, not wipe it off, or to fade it. Which option you choose depends on seriously the piece is damaged.

Things You'll Need

• White eraser
• 1/2 tsp. bleach
• 1/4 cup water
• Sponge
• Paper towel
• Heavy books

Instructions

1. Rub a soft, white eraser over the stain, applying gentle pressure. This may work if the stains in not too deep into the grain of the paper. The eraser skims off the top of the paper. Do not use a colored eraser.

2. Mix 1/2 tsp. of bleach with 1/4 cup water. Dip a sponge into the solution and dab the stain lightly if the eraser does not work effectively. Use care when applying the bleach to colored areas on the print. The bleach will fade whatever it touches.

3. Blot off the bleach mixture with paper towels. The goal is to allow the bleach to lighten the stain without saturating the paper. Once the stain fades, leave the print flat until it dries thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• If the print curls on the edges, set heavy books over the ends to flatten it. Avoid covering any wet areas with a book. The moisture may cause ink from the color to stain the art paper.

• If the print is valuable, consider taking it to a professional restorer instead of fixing it yourself. You may fade the pigment on the paper or tear it.

References

• Collectors Guide: Conserving Works of Art on Paper