Expert: MaryAnn F. Kohl - 7/3/2009

Question
How can I get water color paint from a child out of my antique book??? Do you know any way to remove it?  Many thanks

Answer
Watercolor paints are pigments meant to absorb into paper. Your book is made of paper. So this is a problem. I have never tried to "remove" watercolor paint from paper. The only thing I can think of is bleach, but that is pretty scary because bleach destroys fibers, so don't try that please.

I think the best idea, if you can find the person, is to find an antique book dealer and ask for help. Or find a museum that has restoration experts on staff. Finding the person to help you will be some work, but if you can, I think they can help you.

There may be help, but I do not personally know of anything. I'm so sorry this is completely out of my area of expertise ...

I can hear the anguish in your note. :o(

MaryAnn Kohl
www.brightring.com