How to repair a tear on banknote???

Hello guys!

I remember an article on internet where they suggested how to repair tears on banknotes using transparent cigarette paper. But it did not have a glue formula, so that repair is invisible and does not change color after some time. Anybody knows good glue? Or maybe formula how to make this glue?

Thanks,
Valeriy

That sounds like the banknotes' equivalent of coin cleaning, and I would not recommend it. Let the time has its way.

Quote: "ngdawa"​That sounds like the banknotes' equivalent of coin cleaning, and I would not recommend it. Let the time has its way.

​Agreed!

I only ever "repair" banknotes when I find a note that's been torn completely into two, and usually notes like that I wouldn't buy anyway unless they're a type that's otherwise very expensive/scarce to get a hold of (like my 1874 5 Lire note). And even then I just stick to only using a single piece of tape.

Guys, thank you for your valuable opinions, but it is a matter of personal preference.
There is no question in my mind what to do for example with this banknote:



I want to repair tears on a left and right sides.
And that's my personal preference.
Otherwise I will loose this banknote which I had at least 30 years.
Also I've got couple of banknotes with some plastic tape.
After some time tape and glue underneath became dark brown.
I would prefer to take off this tape and use cigarette paper instead.
So, let's get back to question I asked:

Anybody knows transparent glue which can be used to repair valuable paper materials and does not change color?

I am sure people in museums working with antique books are using special glue.

Have you asked museums? I know of no numismatists who do this. Sure unethical dealers do for resale. Why not put it in a nice archival mylar holder? Glue and cigarette paper will just look shoddy...and will perhaps reduce the v as lue of your note further.

Quote: "tarela_v"​
​
​I want to repair tears on a left and right sides.
....
​Otherwise I will loose this banknote which I had at least 30 years.​

What???
Those tears are tiny, I don't think you're in any danger of losing your banknote at all. I have banknotes with much more significant tears that I left alone; just stick it in a mylar/hard plastic banknote sleeve if you're that worried about it.

But if you insist on going ahead with it, I know book restoration folks use PVA glue often, but I have no idea if or where it's available for commercial retail. And I have no experience with using it at all, just so I'm not responsible for anything that happens to your note.

Quote: "Oklahoman"​Why not put it in a nice archival mylar holder? Glue and cigarette paper will just look shoddy...and will perhaps reduce the v as lue of your note further.

​I second this opinion. Preserve it. Dont ruin it further.
Aaron

Quote: "tarela_v"​There is no question in my mind what to do for example with this banknote:
​
​

There's no doubt in my mind either what I would do with that. I would keep it as it is! It's a beautiful note will lots of history. Why ruin it?

Quote: "Oklahoman"​I know of no numismatists who do this. Sure unethical dealers do for resale.

Hear hear! And if you do this, the note will loose all its value. So, again, why ruin it?

I am not passing judgment nor take a position either way but I believe it may be wheat starch paste you may have heard about. Library conservators use it for mending books. For example :
https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/wheat-starch-paste.html

I used to work at a large university library. Every once in a while, I would have to repair individual pages of an old book that, although old (late 1800's to early 1900's) was still in regular circulation.

To repair the pages, we used this:


it is a little opaque, but it almost vanishes once you smooth it out with your fingers over the page. I've fixed old books of mine as well, and they look great to this day.

if you want to fix your bills, go ahead. If you want to leave them as they are, do it. They are yours for a reason.

EDIT: this is tape. It already has archival quality adhesive on one side. It is available on Amazon. The roll I have had has lasted me more than ten years, so a little goes a long way.

Quote: "harryg"​I am not passing judgment nor take a position either way but I believe it may be wheat starch paste you may have heard about. Library conservators use it for mending books. For example :
​https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/wheat-starch-paste.html

​Hello Harry,

thank you for your info. I remember that in those article glue had 3 ingredients: water, ethanol and copolymer.
I am not sure that glue based on starch would be clear.

Actually I found finally this book in electronic format on my computer, which I mentioned. It is about restoration and different techniques of saving different materials based on paper, wood, rock, fabric and so on. Practically about everything you can find in museums.

Thanks,
Valeriy

I've not tried repairing a banknote as yet.
Just wondering if anyone thinks something can be done with this note to bring back some looks/value.
Bank of Shansi, Chahar and Hopei, 5 yuan

It's already been taped on the back so the back may be irreparable (unless the tape can be removed harmlessly by humidity or some such manner). Usually the tape leaves a residue & damages the paper when attempting to remove it. There's nothing you can do to fix the missing borders.

The restoration company I've heard about is Poli Restoration but that would be expensive. I believe Nancy can give you an estimate/quote if you send her a photo (like yours) beforehand.

Quote: "Serial_Number_8"​It's already been taped on the back so the back may be irreparable (unless the tape can be removed harmlessly by humidity or some such manner). Usually the tape leaves a residue & damages the paper when attempting to remove it. There's nothing you can do to fix the missing borders.
​
​The restoration company I've heard about is Poli Restoration but that would be expensive. I believe Nancy can give you an estimate/quote if you send her a photo (like yours) beforehand.

​Many thanks for the useful contact.
I will contact Nancy to see what could be done, and at what cost.

Hi..

I don't know how to repair them but believe it or not if I come across a note which I find needs to be added to my collection, no matter what condition.. I put in plastic sleeve and then into my money collectors album.

Have few notes from Iran, Jordan which are in delicate condition.. was very tough tonput them into plastic sleeve.

Good luck collecting!!!