How do I remove goldleaf from paper without damaging the print underneath it

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Request for Question Clarification by alienintelligence-ga on 06 Aug 2002 15:44 PDT

Hi popfuzz

Is it glued to the surface
or embossed on? How old is
the document? How large is
the area of leafing? Do you
have a picture?

-AI

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Clarification of Question by popfuzz-ga on 06 Aug 2002 21:29 PDT

I believe it is embossed?  It is a set of letters pressed into the
page.  The lettering is about 2 to 3 inches wide by 1 inch high.

Greetings!  After searching a variety of key phrases ("removing gold
leaf" "gold leaf removal")  I found one reference to "toning" in a
gilding glossary but it referenced "gilded surfaces" and did not
address gold leaf on paper in particular:

"Toning: The application of pigment and/or other materials to a gilded
surface. Toning can also include the removal of gold from a gilded
surface. It literally means toning down the brilliance of a gilded
surface. Toning is usually employed to replicate age. Toning is also
employed as a final step in the restoration of gilding to replicate
the original patination of the object."

"gold leaf removal from paper" Google search
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=gold+leaf+removal+from+paper&spell=1

Gilding Glossary (Baggot Leaf Gilding Glossary)
http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/GOLD/GLOSSARY2.html

I then searched "gold leaf remove" and found the reference "Remove
excess leaf with a soft brush" but that was before the complete
process of leafing was done.  On a search for "gold leaf extraction"
there was the reference "Gold dissolves in very few solvents, among
them aqua regia and the various solutions of cyanide that are used in
ore extraction. When gold does dissolve, it is generally by forming
complexes."

I would speak with an antiques restoration professional if I were you
to inquire if the removal of gold leaf from paper can, indeed, be
done.
I hope this information helps your quest.