The Framers Forum

Hi,
first post for me, be gentle ... ; )
I have bought a Hotpress 260 recently and want to use it to try and iron out a certificate 4" x 12" which has been folded up for the last 20 years, there is an embossed sticker on it but that has been flattened out pretty much so I don't think the Hotpress will make that any worse, I will not be dry mounting, strictly conservation. How long / what temp would be best for this do you think ? The certificate is parchment with caligraphy on it.
Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum.

If it is real parchment - i.e. sheep or goatskin etc, then I wouldn't subject it to heat.

There is a method using dampened acid free blotting paper behind; dry on top - between two sheets of glass and a lot of weight on top. The blotting paper is replaced over a period of time with not quite so damp, even less damp and then dry. But I'd leave it to a conservator.

If it's creased you'll probably be left with marks where the creases were anyway.

Thanks for the advice Roboframer, I've never had the nerve to use that technique !
I guess I was just looking for a quick fix in the Hotpress, since I bought it a few months ago
I'm looking for any excuse to make use of it. : )
rgds
BPuss

Hi Bagpuss

I know a conservator in Bristol who deals with lots of parchment, vellum, etc
let me know if you want her contact details.

For flattening stuff that might not like any heat just set the temperature to its lowest setting - placing the piece between two sheets of mountboard and leave the vacuum on for 20mins or longer (switch the press off while the vacuum is running - the press will often retain the vacuum for quite a long time).

You have to be aware that this method has to be used with care - creases can flatten out to become unsightly folds - some things just wont flatten and you have to frame them allowing for their wayward state.