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Posted By: barrysloate

Restoration will often help preserve a piece that is in a state of deterioration. A brittle poster, for example, can be de-acidified so that it will not crack, or a layer of Japanese tissue can be applied to the back to fortify it. Likewise, an albumen photograph develops a layer of acidic "gunk" on the surface that can be easily removed.

In some cases a piece is in such bad shape restoration may be the only answer to save it. In general, restoration is acceptable for larger pieces, or when it is the only option to preserve it. And revealing the restoration at the time of sale is of course mandatory.