moldy smelling paper

[Catfat]

I have a large amount of paper that smells moldy, is there anything I can do to get the smell out without ruining the surface? It is Indian Village wc paper, Moulin pastel paper, and Stonehenge.
Any suggestions? Or is it OK to use the paper?
I didn't know in which thread to post this.

[brianvds]

One possibility that occurs to me is to put the sheets out in bright sunlight for a few hours on a hot, dry day. Not sure if that will work, but it might be worth a try?

[RiJoRi]

One possibility that occurs to me is to put the sheets out in bright sunlight for a few hours on a hot, dry day. Not sure if that will work, but it might be worth a try?

A lot of Washington State has weather similar to the British Isles -- cloudy, cool and damp 366 days of the year!

Perhaps creating a hot dry environment indoors -- dehumidifier, maybe a heater, and a UV lamp would do the trick? Or maybe a trip to the Mojave Desert? :rolleyes:

If the paper is white, perhaps a rinse of bleach would help. You would need to experiment, but it's worth a try. Don't forget to wash the bleach off thoroughly -- it will most likely affect the color you put down later.

--Rich

[brianvds]

A lot of Washington State has weather similar to the British Isles -- cloudy, cool and damp 366 days of the year!

Aargh, that's true - I didn't take notice of where CatFat is from.

Well now, here's an excellent excuse to come visit sunny South Africa, where we (at least here in Pretoria) have not had a drop of rain since April or May... ;-)

[vmrs]

My mother has a large and extensive library. She will if she finds a book getting that moldy smell, zap in the microwave on high for about 10 to 15 seconds. Works like a charm but be sure to test a piece first and of course never leave it alone in the microwave.

[Catfat]

Thanks everyone,
I will tried these things.
I already tried putting the paper out in the sun, but---no sun. And then the wind came up and blew it away. Blimey.
The microwave soouns good, I will try that.
I also thought of using Febreeze, but wouldn't that affect the surface quality?

[mame]

mold/mildew can be toxic!

Here's how the Conservation experts do it
http://www.nedcc.org/resources/leaflets/3Emergency_Management/08SalvageMoldyBooks.php

[La_]

if it's not damp and mouldy, but just a bit smelly, could you put it in a container with cedar chips or something non moist that smells nice? cloves?

separating each piece would help too ... maybe with cardboard ... maybe placed in a milk crate type thing, upright, over a heat duct, again with cloves or cedar close by?

am completely guessing

la

[Catfat]

It is not damp and furry, but just smelly.
I am going to try everything suggested, something has to work.
I'll let you know my progress, if any.

[vmrs]

I was telling my mother and she made a good point. She was saying that even if you dry it out thoroughly re wetting it with paints etc may bring back the smell and whatever kind of mold is causing the smell. (if there is a smell there's a mold or mildew) So you may just want to call it a lost or use it for scrap.

[Catfat]

I tried using the microwave, but all the paper is too large to fit in. I am now preheating the regular oven to 200 degrees, and will put the papers, one at a time in that. Even if it catches on fire, it will put itself out.
I am not ready to give up yet.

[Catfat]

Also, I will be using dry media, such as pastels, pencils, oil pastel, nothing wet.
I have a feeling this paper is doomed and headed for the recycling bin.

[La_]

something else to consider, before you throw it all out, is to maybe use it in small sections and laminate them when your done creating on them (clear mac tac works too and even clear packing tape).
this would seal any issue of smell/growth

think 'gift tags' or x-mas tree decorations and the like

la

[Catfat]

I also thought of using it in collages, isolating the paper with acrylic medium top and bottom.

[Catfat]

By Jove, I think I've done it!!!

I put the papers in single layers in the oven at 200F for 30 to 40 minutes.
When cooled, I laid them out on a table to breathe a bit, and voila! success.

So far, so good. I have only tried it with the Moulin Pastel paper.

Other thoughts I have:

Put it in a box with rosemary, basil, lavender, or other strong smelling herbs. Or with incense or (as some one suggested above) cedar chips. I still might do that anyway.

[Diane Cutter]

((sigh))... I hear your pain. I deal with this all the time. My remedy is to buy only as much paper as I can reasonably use in a month and I store it on my home-made lightbox. The little bit of heat from the light bulbs burns off a lot of the moisture.

If you are using the paper for watercolor, you'll find the mold (even if you can't see it) will create a resist and won't absorb the pigment evenly. Toss it out.

I can use a lot of my paper for printmaking but wonder how long the paper will look good if moldy. Not a good selling point.

In the case of soft pastels, you are probably okay. I haven't had problems with my Wallis but the other pastel papers have needed a spray with Lysol. I do think it stops the mold though it doesn't make the spots go away.

Diane

[loft artist]

put a bar of nice smelling soap or a candle in with paper , as long as its dry it'll smell marvellous ...and people will buy your artwork like hot cakes ... only kidding about the last bit , but we all live in hope .

[Catfat]

Good informatiom, Diane, thanks.
I guess it's worse in Puerto Rico than on Puget Sound because it is much hotter there.
Also, I got a lot of the spots off with a Magic Rub eraser. I wonder if that Mr. Clean wall eraser would work.
I was thinking of putting lavender in with the paper, that is always nice.
Thanks everyone for good suggestions.

[vmrs]

How about if you store it with Damprid. I use that in the cupbards under my
stairs. I live by the Mississippi in a very humid area. It's a great product for absorbing extra moisture.
http://www.damprid.com/

I'm glad to hear the oven worked. Clever. :)