Ancient book restoration technology

     For a bound book that needs to be repaired, the main object of repair is the book leaves. And the repair of book leaves can only start from a single book leaf. Therefore, when repairing a book, the first step is to break down the bound book into individual pages before proceeding to the next step.

The work of disassembling books is actually done by reversing the binding order. Namely: 1. Remove the bookmark, 2. Remove the thread, 3. Remove the book cover, etc.

After disassembling the book, the second "repair" work is carried out to restore the damaged book leaves to their original appearance, which is the main body of the repair work. Secondly, the repaired book leaves are re bound into a booklet, which is actually a reproduction of the original binding process of the booklet.

（1） Preparation stage

It includes three aspects: file registration, material preparation, and book decomposition.

1. Verify registration

Firstly, verify the title and number of books to be revised. The verification should be as detailed as possible, including how many volumes, how many pages, and whether the book cover and pages are complete, whether there are any damaged characters, etc. Next, register the binding form and the repair unit. Third registration of damage situation, including reasons for damage, main forms of damage, location of damage, and level of damage. The fourth is the requirement for repair. The fifth is the repair plan and so on. The sixth is to register the repair time and responsible person. Finally, take photos.

2. Paper matching

Select paper according to the materials of the book cover, protective leaf, and book leaf. When selecting paper, pay attention to the color, texture, thickness, and similarity between the paper material and the book leaf. It is best to choose an environment with sufficient natural light for paper dispensing to ensure the quality of the dispensing process. If the selected paper does not match the color of the book leaf, it can be dyed with pigment to a color similar to the book leaf.

3. Matching silk thread

4. Pulp and paste

Paste is an important material used in the restoration of ancient books, and the degree of paste application directly affects the quality of restoration. The repair work involves diluting the paste solution with water in thick paste. Paste is often made from starch, and there are two methods of production: brewing and boiling.

5. Decompose books

Remove the silk thread and book cover that are bound on the surface of the book. After removing the paper twist, break down the book into individual book leaves. After some books become moldy due to water dampness, the secretion of the mold causes some or all of the book leaves to stick together, and at this time, the book leaves need to be peeled off. There are three commonly used methods for peeling: dry peeling, wet peeling, and steaming peeling. Book leaves with heavy stains need to be cleaned, and there are three methods to choose from: water soaking method, water flushing method, and water immersion method.

（2） Repair phase

1. Supplement the book opening

Unfold the book leaf, align the opening of the book on the back of the leaf (the side without words), align the column line, and then use a brush dipped in thin paste to apply paste to the opening of the book, and stick a thin piece of paper strip on it. The book leaves are made of yellow paper, and the slip paper also needs to be dyed. A thin leather paper with a weight of about 5-6 grams per square meter is more suitable for the chute.

2. Supplement the book leaves

Apply a thin paste around the damaged area or cavity on the back of the book leaf, and fill it with paper. The order of supplementing books is: "Fill in the center first, then the edges", and "Fill in the larger part first, then the smaller part".

3. Book leaf

The book leaves become moldy and the paper strength decreases. Adding a sheet of paper on the back can reinforce the book leaves. However, it should be noted that the book leaves that can be supplemented should be supplemented as much as possible, and the book leaves that cannot be supported should be avoided as much as possible.

4. Paper pulp supplement

If the book leaf paper still has a certain strength, no matter how severe the damage is, a pulp repair machine can be used to repair it.