How to Care for Parchment and Vellum Documents | Antique Repair Shop

Parchment and vellum are prepared animal skin, not paper. They react strongly to moisture and can cockle or become translucent.

Safe routine care

Support fully, limit light and store flat in stable conditions. Use a rigid folder or mount so the sheet is not flexed.

What not to do

Never humidify, press, iron or clean skin documents at home. Seals and inks may create additional vulnerabilities.

Storage and specialist help

Consult a paper or book conservator familiar with parchment before flattening, mounting or framing.

Conservation references

[Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
[Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.