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Selective laser cleaning of paper
Laser cleaning of paper
The variety of combinations of different types of foreign matter (dirt) on paper objects can present complex cleaning problems in paper conservation. Current cleaning methods using conventional means (solvents, mechanical) are not always sufficient to solve problems such as local cleaning in the vicinity of sensitive media. Lasers can offer a valuable tool for solving problematic cases.
Selective cleaning
For this purpose a prototype laser cleaning station was build at Art Innovation. With this workstation paper can be cleaned in very precise manner. It is possible to selectively clean certain areas on the paper. These areas can be selected before the laser treatment, in the following way. First, a digital image is taken from the object. Then the user can, through digital image processing with a computer, select those areas that need to be cleaned. If there is, for instance, printed text on the object this text can be isolated and the laser can scan around it. The accuracy of this technique is near pixel level. Finally, a black and white image is created, where the white indicates where the laser should not hit the surface, and the black indicates the area that needs to be treated.
Selective removal of ballpoint ink
The three step process of selective cleaning (i) take digital image, (ii) digital isolate areas to be cleaned, (iii) laser celaning of the selected areas.
Selective removal of chalk
Selective removal of chalk with precise cleaning inside the crown. Before-, isolate- and after-image.
Laser cleaning of rust residue of paper clip
