How do I unroll paper?

If risk of damage from doing-it-yourself is acceptable, the item generally is in good condition (e.g., not brittle, not breaking), and there are no water-sensitive inks or colors, the paper can be relaxed for gentle unrolling by careful humidification. See How To Flatten Folded Or Rolled Paper Documents [PDF: 576 KB / 4 p.] (National Park Service).

If risk of damage is not acceptable or the item is not in good condition or has questionable inks or colors, consult a paper conservator.

Last Updated: Mar 02, 2021
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