Recoverable, or how to smooth out a crumpled sheet of paper at home

It is not difficult to accidentally wrinkle the paper, but returning the sheets to a presentable look is not an easy task. If such a situation occurs, then you should not panic.

There are several effective ways to smooth even heavily wrinkled paper. The article will tell you how to smooth a sheet of crumpled paper (with and without text).

The solution to the problem is urgent and fast

If wrinkled paper needs to be smoothed out quickly, you can use the following guidelines:

1. Roll the sheet on the edge of the table... This measure will help to deal with rough folds. This method is more suitable for paper that has been rolled up.

   To align the sheet, you need to take it by the opposite edges, and then pull it up and down several times. It is necessary to control the pressing force so as not to tear the canvas.

2. Pass through a copier... It will compress the document like a press, and the creases will go away. The copier must be large, that is, professional. Such devices can be found in offices and copy centers.

Cargo

You can flatten the paper with a weight. The folds will straighten out under the weight of the press. For this purpose, you can use such improvised items as:

• An encyclopedia or other massive book. To achieve the best effect, several volumes are applied to the crumpled sheet at once.
• Heavy appliances or furniture.
• Equipment for sports.

Having chosen a suitable subject, you need to be guided by the following action plan:

1. To smooth the paper better, it needs to be slightly moistened. Do not place the sheet under running water.

   It is better to use a spray gun, holding it at a distance of 30-40 cm from the object. If you don't have a spray bottle at hand, you can gently blot the paper with a damp cloth.

2. Water should be sprayed onto the back of the document to avoid damaging the paint.
3. The wet leaf is placed on a clean material that will act as a blotter. Ordinary napkins work well for this purpose.
4. In this form, the paper is placed under the load.

The result will be received in 12 hours.... Sometimes after a specified period of time, the sheet remains wet. In this case, you need to change the napkins, leaving the document under pressure for another day.During this time, even a heavily moistened sheet will dry out and straighten.

Can I use an iron?

You can use an iron to remove creases in the paper. However, the creases will not completely disappear. They will be visible, but the canvas itself will become flat.

When using steam or water, the sheet will be smoothed better, but in this case the risk of deterioration increases.... It will become not so strong, so it can tear both during processing and after it. In addition, high temperatures can fade ink.

To minimize the risks, you need to try to process a small section of the document. If nothing terrible has happened, you can proceed to the smoothing procedure.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

• the sheet is aligned as much as possible and covered with a clean cloth;
• the iron is heated, but not much. The temperature on the regulator is set to the minimum. Otherwise, the leaf may turn yellow and brittle;
• when the iron is hot, it is applied to the fabric and ironed. Average exposure time - 1 minute;
• after processing, you need to check the status of the document. If there are still dents on it, you can slightly raise the temperature.

With regard to the thickness of the fabric, too thin material will not work. It is best to use a terry towel.

Having decided on such processing, it is necessary to assess all possible risks. Moreover, if we are talking about an important document, for example, a passport. In this case, it is recommended to trust the professionals.

Professional smoothing

Securities can be given for restoration to specialists, for example, restorers or archivists. They will help you cope with even the most difficult cases.

They are armed with special trainsto help smooth the paper and prevent mold from growing on it. Specialists have professional press to help get rid of deep creases.

Warnings

Straightening crumpled paper yourself is not difficult. However, before proceeding with the procedure, you need to read the important warnings:

1. Do not iron paper without fabric. The ink may melt and stick to the iron or ironing board.
2. Do not wet the sheets too much. The thinner they are, the higher the risk of deterioration.
3. Do not flatten the paper with a hair straightener or similar electrical appliance.

   Their temperature is too high, so the document will be hopelessly damaged.

Useful video

How to straighten wrinkled paper video tip:

Conclusion

When starting the procedure for smoothing paper, you need to carefully study all the recommendations. The safest way is to use the press, but when there is no time, you can resort to ironing iron... If you strictly follow the instructions, you will be able to cope even with serious creases.