Legit altering

[Cardboard Junkie]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Funny. Do you know what people do with the "bowl of water" or the "eraser"? Do you know the difference in results? I ask seriously, since your response doesn't make a lot of sense to me unless you think that soaking cards is an amateurish thing that ruins cards. I know that one board member claimed that faded cards had the same appearance as a card that had been soaked, which is total rubbish. I asked him about it, but did not get a response.

Also, as far as I know soaking cards doesn't cause any issues with the TPA's. Adding chemicals is something different altogether; however, I agree with those who feel like cards sometimes need professional conservation - completely different from removing paper and glue with water.

Yes I know, (from reading previous threads) what people do with bowls of water and erasers. I know the results can improve a cards appearance. And YES I think it is an amateurish thing to do. I know erasers can ruin cards, but I don't know if the effects of "having a bath" are detrimental on a microscopic or even a molecular level. I do know that a "professional conservator" would not do either, so I suspect it is "bad" for the substances that comprise our treasures. I suggest that someone here, ( 6 degrees of separation) knows a professional or can contact a conservator and get their input. In other words, before we get into a conflict...let's consult a pro. Dave.