How to Restore Paper Labels

Restore paper labels yourself if they are not of collectible or antique vintage.

Paper labels can be found in books, on trunks and a variety of antique items, including clocks or crates. Restoring paper labels or paper on antiques -- whether the antique is a book, trunk, clock or machine -- is best left to the professional restorer. A professional restorer will use chemicals to control, alter or adjust the pH of the paper as part of the restoration process. Paper labels that are not antique or collectible can be restored using a few simple materials found in the home, and protected for an extended period of time by applying clear tape or laminate over the repaired and restored paper label.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton ball
• Cotton swab
• Soft bristle paintbrush
• Fine-tipped permanent markers
• Fine felt brush-tipped permanent art markers
• Clear tape, self-adhesive laminate, or spray-on clear protectant

Instructions

1. 

   Clean cotton will help remove any dust particles.

   Use a cotton ball, cotton swab or soft bristle paintbrush to lightly wipe and brush away any dust or loose particles that could be present on the paper labels.

2. 

   Start with the lightest colors.

   Restore the light colors of the label first using fine-tip or fine feather-point permanent markers. Light colors include lighter hues of yellow, orange, pink, blue, tan, green and gray. Repair and restore the lightest colors first. Let them dry thoroughly before proceeding.

3. 

   Continue restoring your label, moving from medium colors to darker shades.

   Restore the medium to dark colors. Begin with the medium colors and then work into darker colors. Use light, quick, soft strokes so that you avoid too much ink blotting on or soaking into the paper label. Let these colors dry thoroughly.

4. 

   Apply black last.

   Apply black ink to the label where it needs to be restored. Use the finest black tip-point or brush tip-point marker you have. You can always add another stroke if necessary, but you cannot reverse a mistake made with black ink.

5. 

   Use clear tape, a self-laminating sheet, or spray-on protectant to protect the restored paper label.

   Protect your restored paper labels by adding a piece of clear tape over the label. Clear tape will also make the label waterproof. Alternatively, you can apply a layer of self-adhesive laminate over the paper label. If the restored paper label is affixed to a machine, tape around the label and spray a clear protectant onto the restored paper labels to protect and preserve them.

Tips & Warnings

• Perform the repairing and restoration process in a well-lit area to avoid making mistakes.

• Restore the paper labels in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the marker fumes.

• Don't use these steps to restore stamps, antiques or collectibles. These require a different chemical process, which should be left to a professional restoration service.

References

• Extreme Restoration: A Short History of Paper

Resources

• Collector's Guide: Conserving Works of Art on Paper
• BookThink: Drying Wet Books and Cleaning Covers
• Antique Lure Collectibles: Conservation and Restoration of Lures and Boxes