A message has a much higher value than the paper on which it is written. It doesn't matter if you are looking to waterproof a handmade postcard, a letter with great sentimental value or another document that you want to protect from the elements, know that in any case it is a doable job! Using simple ingredients you can create a protective barrier that will prevent water and adverse weather from damaging the document.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Waterproof the Paper with Wax
Step 1. Prepare the card
You will need to lay it out on a sturdy, flat, dry and clean surface. You certainly don't want the document to get stained before you have waterproofed it! Tidy up your countertop so it's free and clean.
Step 2. Build up some wax for the waterproofing process
You can also use simple wax recovered from household candles or you can use scented ones to give the paper an extra touch. Colored candles can dye the paper giving it a creative touch.
- Paraffin is traditionally the product used to waterproof clothing, canvas and other items. However, you should use it in a well-ventilated area and remember that it is a derivative of petroleum, therefore poisonous if swallowed.
- Also consider some non-toxic alternatives, such as beeswax or creams to waterproof leather.
Step 3. Apply the wax
You should test it on a scrap sheet before applying it to the document you want to protect. The various types of wax have different consistencies, so it is worth rubbing the one you have chosen onto some test paper, in order to also evaluate the pressure you need to exert. You will need to do this over the entire surface of the document you want to waterproof, both on the top and on the back, until every millimeter of the page is smooth and waxy.
- To allow the wax to adhere to the sheet, it may be necessary to rub it gently several times; alternatively you could press firmly and spread a thick layer.
- Be careful not to rub too hard as you could tear the document.
Step 4. Use the immersion technique
Rubbing the wax on the sheet takes a long time and sometimes the job is incomplete. Beeswax, on the other hand, can be melted in a pot or in an earthenware pan and then immersed in the document. If you intend to go barehanded, be careful not to burn your fingers.
- Quickly dip the sheet into melted wax to waterproof it. Use a pair of kitchen tongs to completely submerge the document, or proceed with your fingers, dipping half a sheet at a time.
- If you have decided to submerge the sheet in sections, hold on to the area yet to be sealed until the wax on the other half has cooled. At this point you can turn the sheet and dip the other portion.
Step 5. Check the work done
The wax should be glued to the paper and will protect it from moisture, dirt and even dust. The paper may be damaged where the wax has not adhered. Make sure you cover these areas with more wax and don't miss any where the sealant layer seems too thin.
Test the wax with your fingers. You will be able to easily identify the spots where it is thinnest or where it is not well glued to the paper, because they will have an irregular texture, similar to that of bare paper instead of smooth and waxy
Step 6. Heat and let the waxed document rest
This is the best way to make sure the wax adheres perfectly to the sheet. You will need to gently heat it and smooth it with a heat source, such as a hair dryer. Remember to treat both sides of the paper.
- Be careful during this process: you don't have to melt the wax until it drips, you have to soften it just enough so that it penetrates even more into the fibers of the paper.
- If you have decided to use another heat source or even an open flame, such as a cooking torch, be extremely cautious. The last thing you want is to start a fire and lose the document forever.
Step 7. Take care of the document
Although the wax seals the paper and protects it from the elements, it may deteriorate over time. The heat could melt it, so avoid leaving the paper in the sun or near heat sources. The wax layer will protect it from the elements, except for light and heat. as long as it remains intact.
- You can easily restore the wax layer by rubbing more all over the document.
- Waxed documents that are handled and regularly worn are more likely to lose their protective layer. For this reason, you should check them systematically every few weeks, to make sure that the wax layer has not thinned or peeled off.
- Waxed documents that have been kept away from light, heat and handled with care retain the protective layer for years.
Method 2 of 3: Waterproof the Paper with Alum
Step 1. Collect everything you need
To waterproof paper, you must first prepare a solution that alters the surface of its fibers, changing their absorption capacity. In this way the sheet will not only be waterproof, but also more resistant. You will need:
- 240 g of alum (available in supermarkets or online);
- 112 g of grated Castile soap;
- 2 liters of water;
- 60 g of gum arabic;
- 120 g of natural glue;
- Deep flat tray or wide bowl;
- Kitchen tongs.
Step 2. Prepare the drying station
Once the paper is treated, you will need to hang it up to dry. In this regard, you can attach the sheet to a wire or to the clothesline. However, the drops of the solution could damage the floor or fabrics that must not become waterproof. Make sure that the drops fall into a suitable container, on a protective cloth or on newspaper.
Step 3. Prepare the water
To properly mix the ingredients, the water must be slightly heated. You can then add the various products one at a time.
Step 4. Stir the mixture carefully
You need to mix until the solution is completely homogeneous. Remember not to overheat the water at this stage; the liquid must be very hot without boiling.
This step may take several minutes. Be patient and make sure all the ingredients are well blended
Step 5. Transfer the liquid to a container to soak the paper
Remove the solution from the flame and allow it to cool for a short time. While it is still hot, pour it into a large, flat, deep tray or a very large bowl. This will make it easier for you to dip the sheet of paper.
Step 6. Dip the paper into the alum solution
For this step, use kitchen tongs, making sure all the paper is submerged in the liquid. Do not leave the paper in the alum for too long, but only enough to coat the front and back with solution.
Step 7. Let the paper dry
Once it has been completely covered with waterproofing mixture, hang it on a string or clothesline. You can also use a metal grate (such as the one for cooling cookies) covered with wax paper. The latter prevents drops of solution from falling on the kitchen counter, ruining it.
Method 3 of 3: Waterproof the Paper with Shellac
Step 1. Break the shellac
To create the waterproofing solution, you need to mix shellac with different ingredients. These are available in fine art stores or pharmacies. Here's what you'll need:
- 150 g of colorless shellac;
- 30 g of borax;
- 500 ml of water;
- Deep flat tray or wide bowl;
- Kitchen tongs.
Step 2. Prepare the drying station
The paper will have to dry perfectly after treatment with the solution, but the shellac drops could damage floors or furniture. The best thing to do is spread the waterproofed paper to dry on top of the newspaper.
You can also use a clothesline under which you have placed wax paper
Step 3. Mix the ingredients
Bring the water to a temperature just below boiling, as if you want to bleach food or boil it. Add the ingredients one at a time while stirring to even out the mixture.
Step 4. Filter all by-products
The mixing process releases impurities into the solution. The greater the quantity of these impurities, the more cloudy the liquid will be. For this reason you should filter it through a fine mesh strainer. If the mixture is relatively transparent, you can strain it directly into the bowl or tray.
You can use cheesecloth or a piece of muslin as a filter
Step 5. Apply the solution
Now that the shellac sealant is in the bowl or deep tray, you just have to dip the sheet of paper in using the kitchen tongs. Proceed quickly but make sure that all the paper remains submerged in the solution. Then let the sheet dry on the drying station.
Advice
- If you want the paper to smell good, use a scented candle.
- If you want to add an original and creative touch to the sheet, try colored candles.
Warnings
- Never leave the burning candle unattended.
- Be careful when handling paper near an open flame.
