Quote: "ZacUK" Maybe put tissue above and below - then put a book or something on top -
so that the oil has some where else to go. Change the tissue after a few days.
Repeat then change, and so on. Hopefully over time less oil will be on the tissue -
meaning there is not much left in the note.
Maybe. Will see what other members come up with.
Thank you for your suggestion. I tried this before, but it did not help. The problem is that the oil has completely permeated all pores of the paper, as the banknotes were left unattended for a long time, the reason why it's so difficult to draw it out of the paper.
I've also tried drawing out the oil with talcum and chalk powder. Without success in my case.
I've read that benzene is the best oil removal. It fully removes all oil residue. However, I did not dare to apply it to my banknotes as it would likely destroy the ink.
Finally, after few other attempts, I found this solution
which works for me. Please note that I do not claim that it is the only or the best method to draw out the oil from the banknote.
1) Pour some warm water (not hot) into a plate and let the banknote sit there for 2-3 minutes. Not more than 2-3 minutes (as the paper's color will start getting off). This is to soften the paper and to open the paper's pores.
2) Open the tap and keep the banknote under a slow stream of hot water (not too hot, as it will destroy the ink) for about 3-4 minutes. Turn sides from time to time.
3) If the banknotes' color is resistant and does not get off, then you may continue pouring hot water much longer. Also pay attention to the paper's fabric. Some old banknotes' paper may start falling apart if kept too long under water.
4) If you feel that the oil has not been drawn out to your satisfaction, I suggest you rub very very gently the banknote with ordinary soap. Use the tip of your fingers to rub the banknote. Soap also helps dissolve the oil. Do not overdo rubbing the banknote.
5) Rinse the banknote in warm water, put inside a tissue and then inside a book. Change the tissue after 20-25 minutes. Keep for a day.
In my case, these steps allowed me to draw out some oil which was sufficient for me to be able to add this banknotes to my collection. Unfortunately, I could not find a way how to safely draw out all oil from the banknote without destroying the paper or the ink. Apparently, there is no such method so far (according to what I've read online).
Hope this information is useful for someone.
Best,
Rm
P.S. I've also read that ironing the banknote may dissolve the oil. I did try ironing one (expendable) banknote. It seems that the ironing indeed "evaporates" the oil out of the paper. However, as usually said by many people, ironing the banknote is a blasphemy :)))) and it makes the banknote unnaturally dull and shiny. Another good technical reason not to iron the banknote is that, according to what I've read, it destroys the paper's cellulose which eventually leads to paper's faster deterioration (despite the short term effect of looking crispy).
