LOOKING FOR TREASURES AT HOME

If you don't find any valuable papers or money in Grandma's books, try slitting the paper dustcover on the back of the paintings and prints hanging on the wall. The elderly will often hide money in places like that. Also look for money taped to the bottom of bureau drawers. Hiding valuables under the mattress seems to have gone out of style.

TAKING CARE OF PRINTS, PICTURES AND MORE...

Taking Care of Prints, Pictures and More...

Recycled paper, paper boxes and cardboard will discolor and damage prints, pictures and documents in or near them. They are high-acid papers and the fumes can travel through the air. If you buy a ready-made picture frame be sure to replace the heavy paper backing that keeps the picture in place.

STICKY SITUATION

Sticky Situation

Be careful when using Scotch tape, duct tape, adhesive tape or sticky labels. The adhesive can discolor paper long after the tape is removed. It can take off some of the thin sheet of silver used over copper on old Sheffield plate, it can discolor or remove over-glaze colors (especially gold) on ceramics, and it can leave a discoloration on metal patina. It can even tear off a loose piece of veneer on furniture.

TAKING CARE OF PAPER ANTIQUES

Taking care of paper antiques

Do not store newsprint with other paper antiques. The high-acid paper used for newsprint can discolor or even destroy other paper documents. Even if the newsprint does not touch the other paper, acid is carried through the air and your paper antiques will suffer.