Air drying is generally more labor-intensive than freezing your papers. [2] X Research source Do not air dry glossy papers. Freeze them instead to avoid damage.
Choose a room with good air circulation and low humidity levels to help the papers dry faster. [4] X Trustworthy Source Library of Congress Official library of the U. S. and main research institution for Congress and the American public Go to source
Do not separate severely wet sheets if your document has multiple papers. Wait until they dry enough to be damp, but not soaked. [6] X Trustworthy Source Library of Congress Official library of the U. S. and main research institution for Congress and the American public Go to source Change the tissues or paper towels regularly until the papers become damp. [7] X Trustworthy Source Library of Congress Official library of the U. S. and main research institution for Congress and the American public Go to source
A large book that you don’t need to keep in mint condition or a paperweight could both work as sturdy objects.
Freeze your papers as soon as you notice the damage to keep them in the best condition possible.
If the papers are soaking wet, do not try to separate them or break them into smaller stacks. Put them in the freezer until you’re ready to air dry them.
Although it depends on how wet your papers are and how many papers you’re freezing, this should take at least several hours.
Do not try to pry stacks of paper apart until they are damp and no longer frozen.
If you don’t personally own a vacuum freeze dryer, contact local art or historical conservation centers. [13] X Research source Freeze-drying is ideal for delicate papers with water-soluble inks, watercolors, and coated papers.
Keep the prints separated while they sit in the water. Never freeze photographs. Air drying is the ideal way to salvage wet photographs unless you have professional conservation experience.
The emulsion is the side with the picture.
Most photographs will curl up after air drying. If you want to flatten a photograph after air drying, bring them to a conservator. [17] X Trustworthy Source Library of Congress Official library of the U. S. and main research institution for Congress and the American public Go to source
