SO IT'S DAMAGED - GO AHEAD, BUY IT!

At times eBayers will see auctions for a nice print or poster that may have slight tears or other damage such as foxing and they shy away from a great piece of artwork.  Don't be discouraged if it's one you really admire.  There are ways to salvage a damaged piece.  So, go ahead and buy it!  

You need to use your best judgment on whether or not to do any of the following techniques to an antique print or book plate depending on how badly damaged it is.  It will affect the value.

DECOUPAGE IT!

One way to save a torn print or poster is to decoupage the piece onto a ready made gessoed stretched canvas.  Canvas can be found at most craft stores or online.  This process is quite simple with very little supplies needed.  Begin with a canvas that the print will fit.  If the canvas is larger than the print paint the extra border area and sides with a color that either matches or compliments the print.  Place the print on the canvas centering it and mark the edges with very light pencil marks so they can't be detected once the print is adhered.  Remove the print.  Using decoupage medium or a white glue mixture made of 2 parts craft glue and 1 part water cover the area of the canvas where the print is to be placed spreading slightly outside the marked area.  Set aside.  Spread the glue onto the back of the print being careful not to saturate or increase any tears already affecting the print.  Let the canvas and print sit for a couple of minutes until the glue is tacky but not wet. 

Carefully pick up the print holding it at the top and bottom and place the bottom of the print on the pencil marks.   Let the print gently lay on the canvas and using one hand make any adjustments while still holding the rest of the print off the canvas.  Once straight along the bottom marks lightly rub the bottom of the print to adhere.  Slowly let the rest of the print roll onto the canvas.  Using a slightly damp paper towel or a soft dry paintbrush lightly rub any air pockets and bubbles out.  Press any tears down firmly and apply extra glue to secure.  Allow it to dry 24 hours.  Once it's dry it can be framed or you may coat the entire piece including the canvas with varnish or several coats of decoupage medium to protect it and hang it with no frame.

This same technique will work to adhere a print or poster to a thin piece of wood.  The wood can be painted before applying the glue and print.  The section where the print is being applied doesn't have to be painted, but without paint the wood may absorb most of the decoupage glue making a second application necessary before applying the print.  Lightly sand the wood with a fine grit paper in the direction of the grain before painting and sand again after the first coat to smooth the raised grain.  Follow with one to two more coats depending on the desired look.  For a whitewashed effect dilute white paint with water to a ratio of 50/50 and apply with a rag.  Allow the wood to dry overnight before applying the print.  For an shabby chic effect sand corners and raised areas for a well-worn look. 

ANTIQUE IT!

If foxing or discoloration is a problem you can camouflage it.  Use a light colored gel stain to antique the print.  Gel stain is more transparent than most stains.  The best application of gel stain is wiping it on with a rag in circular motions.  This allows you to control how much is applied and gives you the ability to wipe away darker areas.  Gel stains can be mixed with the varnish to save a step, but be careful not to overlap strokes or they will show up darker.  Allow it to completely dry before framing or applying it to canvas.

An inexpensive alternative to gel stain is a burnt umber or sienna color acrylic paint diluted 50/50 with water and applied with a brush and wiped with damp paper towel.  The paint will dry quicker than gel stain shortening the time allowed to wipe the darker areas.  No matter which medium you use to antique the print it will make the foxing or discolorations appear as thought they belong and may even add some character. 

Keep in mind any tears will hold more stain and may make the tear show up darker.  Make sure to wipe away the stain while it's still wet to minimize this effect.

ENJOY IT!

So, next time you see a print you really admire and it's damaged - go ahead and get it.  Using these quick fixes allows you to still enjoy it!  These techniques can be used for any print or poster whether they have damage or not.  Good luck!

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST...

I hope this guide was helpful.  Please click on "YES" below if it was.  Thank you for your time and interest.