Can a glued print be removed from its backing?
Removing glued paper backings and the residue of the glue itself can be very difficult and sometimes impossible without damaging the print. There are a great variety of glues. Water-soluble glues are the easiest to deal with, although very thin papers are susceptible to moisture damage that could show on the front surface. Many glues cannot be treated without solvents, which in themselves can be quite harmful to Japanese prints. A conservator should be consulted to determine (1) what type of glue was used, (2) whether treatment is a viable option, and (3) if recommended, which treatment methods should be used. While it is true that paper conservators often have the expertise and specialized equipment and materials to safely remove glued prints from their backings, there are also many cases where removal is too dangerous to attempt (some solvents are toxic!). Please do not try it yourself, as you are likely to damage the print. If you do not know of a reputable expert in paper conservat
