Can be restored, or how to smooth out a crumpled sheet of paper at home

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

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

Solving the problem urgently and quickly

If crumpled paper needs to be smoothed out quickly, you can use the following recommendations:

1. Roll the sheet on the edge of the table. This measure will help cope with rough folds. This method is more suitable for paper that has been rolled into a roll.

   To straighten 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 the photocopier. He will compress the document like a press, and the creases will go away. The photocopier must be large, that is, professional. Such devices can be found in offices and copy centers.

Cargo

You can smooth the paper using a weight. Under the weight of the press, the folds will straighten out. For this purpose, you can use such improvised items as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it possible to use an iron?

You can remove wrinkles on paper using an iron. However, the creases will not completely disappear. They will be visible, but the canvas itself will become smooth.

When using steam or water, the sheet will be smoothed out better, but in this case the risk of damage increases.. It will become less durable, so it may tear both during processing and after it. In addition, high temperatures can cause ink to fade.

To minimize risks, you should try to process a small area of ​​the document. If nothing bad happens, you can begin the smoothing procedure.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

• The sheet is leveled as much as possible and covered with a clean cloth;
• The iron is heated, but not too much.The temperature on the regulator is set to minimum. Otherwise, the leaf may become 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 increase the temperature slightly.

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

Having decided on such processing, it is necessary to assess all possible risks. Especially 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 to specialists for restoration, for example, restorers or archivists. They will help you cope with even the most difficult cases.

They are armed with special compounds, which help smooth out the paper and prevent mold from appearing on it. Specialists have professional presses that will help you get rid of deep creases.

Warnings

It’s not difficult to straighten crumpled paper yourself. However, before starting the procedure, Please note the following important warnings:

1. You cannot iron paper without fabric. The paint may melt and stick to the surface of the iron or ironing board.
2. Do not wet the sheets too much. The thinner they are, the higher the risk of damage.
3. Do not straighten the paper with a hair straightener or similar electrical equipment.

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

Useful video

How to straighten crumpled paper, video tip:

Conclusion

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