How to Repair an Antique Map

Due to their age, antique maps are often purchased with some damage. You can follow these tips to repair an antique map or to keep your map intact before visiting a professional conservator.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove debris from the map with a small, soft squirrel hairbrush.

2. Scrape adhesive residue from the back of the map with a spatula. Dampen a clean cotton swab. Slightly moisten the back of the map's tape. Use a dull scalpel blade to aid the tape's removal.

3. Flatten a wrinkled map. Lightly dampen the map with a natural sponge. Put the map between blotters and let it dry. Regularly apply pressure to the map as it dries.

4. Correct water staining. Dampen two blotters, and then dry both sides. Put the map between the blotters and place them between 2 boards made from Formica or beech. Place glass weights on top of the boards.

5. Buy special wet-strength, acid-free conservation tissues. Find gluten-free wheat starch adhesive. Use the tissues and the starch to reattach wayward antique map fibers.

6. Place Scotch Removable Magic Tape or Filmoplast P tape on both sides of an antique map's tear. Put the tape on the antique map as a temporary fix until you find a professional conservator to repair the damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Never pick up a map with only one hand.
• Take your map to a professional conservator if it is discolored, suffers from foxing, is rush stained or displays other major damage. Never wash, retouch or bleach an antique map on your own.
• Be careful when applying moisture to the antique map's tape. Too much water may damage the map.