Anybody looking for some advice on how to Clean-up and/or Repair NGS items?

[Scott T. Shier]

Feel free to chat with me, via this site or email/message me. I have developed some ways (through trial-and-error!) on how to clean up, refurbish, repair NGS books and issues.

Basically, "freshen up" : )


~ Scott S.

P>S>
....while I know some folks would be disinclined to alter/repair items, my philosophy is this: are your items for a museum case, or to be looked at, enjoyed and used? We can either take steps to "stem" the tide of decay, or let them turn to dust. Then we won't have them at all...

[Melvin L. De Vilbiss]

Scott,

You hooked me up with this web site/company a year or so ago. They have a large list of offerings and their service is excellent. I highly recommend them.

Another web site/company I have also enjoyed (for variety) is as follows:

http://shop.hobbiesdepot.com/

Enjoy!

Mel

[Scott T. Shier]

Jay -

How are you doing? The other thing that I forgot to mention in my last reply to you, was that in the same Bags Unlimited store link I gave you, there are the white, heavyduty corrugated storage boxes that can be purchased. I have 10 myself, and they are great for smaller books, and the Nat Geo Magazine fits perfectly! They stack great this way too, the boxes are double-bottomed, and also they have the lids.

Of course, it is not the most "decorative" method, it is very good for storage, and transporting...

Just wanted to run this by you too. And, LARA if you see this, I wanted you to know about it as well.

- Scott S.

[Bill Cole]

Scott, I agree with you on the most part. I am not talking about alteration of any issue for the purpose of fakery but the preservation of an issue. Every day something happens to an issue and it's gone (water, fire, loss).

[Scott T. Shier]

Oh, hey you!

haha, how are you Bill? thanks for your comment! I am happy that you know what I mean by my above postings....it's the spirit of just being able to keep nice & interesting things from prematurely joining the Dodo birds.

I only try to do things for preservation. And, for my own set of fabrikoid 1920's NGS books [ie. Book of Fishes, Horses, Capital, Dogs, Wild Flowers, Mammals, Birds] I actually went and touched up the gold on the title lettering, since it was all rubbed off completely. Then I shined them up so they are dark black again, and glossy.

Anyway, let's chat some more, here, (yahoo), email...whereever!


- Scott

[Christine Lofgren]

Hi Scott,
I actually just posted a message asking about how to get rid of the musty "attic" smell that some old NG's I just purchased have. They don't appear to have any mildew on them, but the smell is pretty strong.

BTW, I agree with "I want to enjoy the magazines" idea; they arn't for a museum and I do want to preserve them.

Thanks for any advice!
Christine

[Scott T. Shier]

Lara,

wow, you have a little monster growing there! You may laugh at me, but I was going to make a bigger deal out of your fireplace and bookshelves you have. That is lovely woodwork! I like it a lot and am envious.

So, have you tried any other sleeves or anything? Were you talking about the comic book plastic sleeves or something else? I need to know before I try and make any comments about that...

So gathered any more Geos yet? What years are you missing and what all do you hope to acquire. I got some 1917's and other misc. 1910's + 20's that I need to pass on [haven't gotten on ebay yet]. They are all my duplicates haha.


talk soon,

Scott S.

[Fran]

Scott,
Thanks for all your great info. I have a collection of full year issues from 1965-1976. Could you tell me how I might find a buyer for the entire collection? They're all in good condition.
Thanks,
Fran

[Scott T. Shier]

Fran,

first, just wanted to ask which state are you in?

- Scott

[Brian L Anderson]

should I put tape on the edge of a magazine if it is torn?

[Scott T. Shier]

Hello Brian,

No, do not put tape on it - haha. Tape will just crack and yellow with age. It looks bad, and also flakes and chips away, and then it's harder the 2nd time around to "fix" the spot.

Your best bet is to use Elmers Glue...just dab it on under the flap of paper where it is torn on the spine, with your finger or a Q-tip. Then just hold the spot down for a few seconds, and let it dry. Watch that you don't have glue on your finger or when you pull your finger away, you will pull the paper with it.

In years and years the glue with get old and quit working, but loose spine paper will catch and tear even more if you leave it. Ideally you would use an archival book-binding glue, but I doubt you plan on doing enough to merit buying some.


have a nice week!

- Scott T. Shier

[Joshua Dylan]

Scott-
I recently purchased an index from a book dealer by me. The index is a cumulative index from 1899-1936 with a 1937 supplement. The pages were in great shape and the supplement was as well. I bought it because I have never actually seen this set of years in an index before and thought it was good for the collection. The problem I have is with the cover. The letters are starting to turn green with a "gunk" film almost over them. What is the best way to remove this? I have included a picture of this so you can see what I am talking about. The Gold is the color I should have but this green gunk is there instead. Thanks in advance for your help.HPIM1327.JPG

[Scott T. Shier]

Joshua,

Hey there how are you? I would suggest taking some (don't laugh) hydrogen perioxide and Q-tips and gently rub the green gunk off. Most likely this is some type of oxidation, something with the gold paint + age + oxygen or damp storage conditions = "green gunk".

Let's hope the gunk has not sort of embedded itself in the paint, or else removing it will also leave the raised/hubbed lettering as black, or whatever color the cover board seems to be (brownish).

Dip the Q-tip in the H.P., and dab it on the letterings, and let sit (soak). Then rub a dry Q-tip over the letters gently! to see how it comes off. TIP: don't use your fingernails to scrape either. Worst to worst, you lose the gold too. It could be re-painted on though, if done carefully. I've done it myself.

If you try this let me know how it works out, or not. Good luck...

Scott S.