My watercolour has brown spots on it. Can these be removed safely?
Possibly, possibly not. The spots may come from a variety of causes. Most commonly, they are either from mould growth or from the corrosion of tiny metal particles in the paper. The classic reddish-brown marks known as ‘foxing’ are generally agreed to be the result of micro organisms in the paper. They can occur even in paper that has been kept in normal room conditions. Often they can be lessened in intensity, but only if the image on the paper is stable enough to allow treatment. Many inks and watercolours are water sensitive, and affected by solvents, so it is advisable to consult a trained conservator for advice.
