Damaged Screen

[Perlot]

Hey all, new poster,

I have a screen, I think it is thick paper? It has a few tears and cuts in it, as well as wear and tear on some of the sides. There is also some water damage at the bottom. How do I repair this? I'd rather not replace it, as I think I'd struggle to get the same designs.

Pictures attached.

Cheers,

P.

 

[MusicMan]

That's a very difficult repair unless you want to replace it with something different. It needs the attention of a specialist paper conservator. I know how it is done but have not done it myself. They temporarily glue a thin piece on the back of the tear, use a fibre-containing adhesive brushed on in the direction of the fibres, then when it is all dry, remove the backing piece and then tint the repair to match the original.

Here's a conservator (just the first hit in Google): Jillian Gregory Conservation – Paper Conservator. She has some nice examples in her gallery, so you can see what is possible. Could be costly. She is in London, but I am sure you'll find one in York. Might be an idea to enquire at the library of York Minster for a contact.

If it is of big sentimental value, has a good back story (bought in Japan by my grandfather who was a war hero and it\s all I have left to remind me of him) and you can guarantee to break down in tears when you see the finished job, then contact The Repair Shop!

 

[Perlot]

Brilliant, thanks for that. I'll have a look at that... sounds like it would be better to get a specialist involved than try it myself!

 

[TheUnicorn]

Maybe a learnable skill during Lockdown v2.0?
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=repair+paper

 

[Perlot]

yeah maybe,.,... I suppose I can't do any more harm to it.. it is bound on both sides of the frame i.e. it has an inside, so I suppose if I back the tears with tissue or repair paper then it will stop it getting worse, and I can work from there. I am OK with paints, so I guess I can do a bit of patching as well... I suppose it is better to get it off the frame, which I am very nervous about

 

[TheUnicorn]

I was meaning to learn the skill on some ripped wallpaper or similar (whatever you can find of a similar thickness, knocked through with a hammer) once you have perfected the skill you can attempt the repair (alternatively you will have decided it is not something you will be able to tackle and so will be more justified in paying the fees of a professional)

 

[MusicMan]

I would not take it off the frame as it is another major repair to put it back. Initially it would probably;y be put on samp then shrinks to fit. You can't do that again.

I would certainly do lots of reading and practice before attempting the real thing. Make sure you use reversible adhesives throughout. There are specialist suppliers for conservation materials.

 

[Perlot]

Actually, now I've had a good look at it.. I am wondering if it is actually thin leather, or even faux leather... does that change anything?

 

[novocaine]

Have a go how bad can it be...........

Oh yer, never mind, get a pro.

 

[Perlot]

Have a go how bad can it be...........
View attachment 95679

Oh yer, never mind, get a pro.

 

[MusicMan]

I think the only difference that leather would make is a different glue, again with fibre filling. I suggest you browse for conservation supplies. You'll still need backing paper to hold it together.