Are there any circumstances where a completely chemical-free cleaning can lead to a conserved grade? 0

[itcamefromthecopperage]

Hi,

This question came up in a comic book cleaning group I'm in: are there any circumstances where a completely chemical-free cleaning can lead to a conserved grade? There is some conflicting thought on this. It would be great to get to the bottom of it.

 

[Jennifer F.]

Good morning,

Thanks for your message. It would really depend on the condition of the book.  The Conservation grade is used when repairs have been professionally done to a book.  These repairs can include tear seals, support, staple replacement, piece reattachment and certain kinds of cleaning. Because all Conservation repairs must be professionally done and slight in nature, the label will simply say "Conservation" with no designation of quality or quantity on the label as you would see in a Restoration label. 

Thanks!

[itcamefromthecopperage]

 

16 hours ago, Jennifer F. said:

Good morning,

Thanks for your message. It would really depend on the condition of the book.  The Conservation grade is used when repairs have been professionally done to a book.  These repairs can include tear seals, support, staple replacement, piece reattachment and certain kinds of cleaning. Because all Conservation repairs must be professionally done and slight in nature, the label will simply say "Conservation" with no designation of quality or quantity on the label as you would see in a Restoration label. 

Thanks!

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your insight. One quick follow-up if its alright: When you say "certain kinds of cleaning", could that ever include just a standard dry cleaning (no chemicals or solvents)? Like, if it were badly done or done excessively, to the point the grader could easily detect it. Could that be considered restoration, if not conservation? 

[Jennifer F.]

Generally, a dry cleaning would not result in a conserved grade as there is no chemicals used.  We perform a dry cleaning on all books that go through pressing and they don't receive a conserved label.  Dry cleaning just removes minor things like dirt, pencil marks, etc.  Certainly, if it was done improperly or excessively, then that could result in a difference.

Thanks!

[itcamefromthecopperage]

3 hours ago, Jennifer F. said:

Generally, a dry cleaning would not result in a conserved grade as there is no chemicals used.  We perform a dry cleaning on all books that go through pressing and they don't receive a conserved label.  Dry cleaning just removes minor things like dirt, pencil marks, etc.  Certainly, if it was done improperly or excessively, then that could result in a difference.

Thanks!

Ok, thanks again Jennifer. Thats what I figured and that makes sense to me.