A Famous Picasso Lithograph.
Lithographs are copies of original artwork. However, they differ from fraudulent copies because they have either been authorized by the original artist, or even created by that artist. Pablo Picasso was one famous artist who authorized and/or created many lithographs.
That sort of kindness and generosity on the artist's part allows people who could not otherwise afford an original Picasso painting to possess some of his works in lithograph form. Creating a quality print is often just as difficult and may take as much time to produce as an original work of art. Sometimes only a limited number of them are produced. Therefore, many of them are very valuable.
If the lithograph in need of restoration is particularly valuable, you might want to consider employing the services of a professional rather than attempting the process yourself.
Instructions
1. Clean both sides of the lithograph with a soft-bristled brush. Remove dust and dirt with a gentle sweeping motion, going in one direction.
2. Clear away even some set-in stains from only the unprinted areas of the print by carefully rubbing them with the art gum. Use gentle motions, again working in a single direction. Avoid contacting printed sections with the art gum to prevent the removal of any original inks. Dust away the loose gum particles with soft brushes.
3. Carefully dampen the entire lithograph by dabbing with sterile gauze pads moistened with deionized water. Or spritz it generously by using a spray bottle.
4. Mix a bleaching solution by combining one pint each of the deionized water and the peroxide with 3 drops of ammonia. Test this mixture on a small, inconspicuous area of the print before risking ruining the entire piece.
5. Apply the bleaching solution to the dampened lithograph by dabbing with sterile gauze pads moistened with it. Alternately, fill a spray bottle with the solution and spray the lithograph with it. Allow the print to soak in the bleaching mixture for about 4 minutes.
6. Thoroughly rinse the lithograph in a tray or pan of deionized water. Repeat the bleaching and rinsing process to remove any remaining stubborn stains.
7. Soak the bleached print in the pan of deionized water for an hour. Remove it from the water, lay it on acid-free blotting paper on a flat surface to allow it to dry completely before proceeding further.
8. Repair small imperfections such as lacerations by attaching the back of the hole or torn section to Japan paper with rice starch glue.
9. Fill the spray bottle with deionized water. Flatten folds or wrinkles in the print by misting it very lightly, but don't soak it.
10. Sandwich the smoothed, slightly dampened lithograph between sheets of acid-free blotting paper and lay it on a hard flat surface. Set some heavy books on top and allow them to flatten the print for several hours. Then check the print and repeat this step if necessary.
