[timmundo]

I'd appreciate some advice.

I have a Banksy print that has a "smudge" on the outer margin area. It's about an inch away from the actual "print" area. It's obvious that it's pencil writing that was erased. It's about 2 inches or so. It's very faint, but it's there.

How much should I expect to discount the print asking price for such a blemish? Or am I better off getting it restored?

Thanks, appreciate any insights.

[Charlie Bronson]

I would 100% look into getting it restored. You’d be amazed at what professional paper experts/restorers can do nowadays. The money you spend restoring it will be much less than the money you’d lose out on if you don’t. That being said, in terms of restoration viability, it really depends on what the issue is. Sounds like it’s something that can be fixed.

[dan993c2]

Definitely get it fixed shouldn't cost a lot and it will make the print more attractive to more potential buyers.

[Jeezuz Jones Snr]

Good advice above, the name escapes me but some legend in London who a lot of knowledgeable members here would recommend. There was thread on here a while back where some one had a rat print restored and showed before and after photos. Came up brilliantly so yes worthwhile indeed 👍

[silvermyn]

Timmundo - try Graham Bignell Paper Conservation. His studio is near Old Street Station in London.

It will cost you a couple of hundred but we'll worth it.

[Jeezuz Jones Snr]

Apr 23, 2021 7:46:41 GMT 1 silvermyn said:

Timmundo - try Graham Bignell Paper Conservation. His studio is near Old Street Station in London.

It will cost you a couple of hundred but we'll worth it.

That's the fella, thanks 👍

[JFCC]

Foley & Schalkx perform wonders but be careful there are a lot of Grannies available, prices are not so strong these days so unless its a very good price I'd give it a lot thought as depending on the treatment it may impair its future value and is not always successful.

If the marks cannot be removed by an expert using an eraser etc then you may have to consider abrasion and it can produce good results but impacts the print.

Abrasion involves mechanically reducing the affected paper fibres but it causes disruption to the paper surface. The downsides are:

- It physically removes material from the paper.
- Paper fibres currently protected from environmental exposure by discoloured paper fibres would be exposed to higher levels of light and oxygen.
- Only a certain amount of paper fibres can be removed before their absence becomes noticeable.
- As the contaminant will have penetrated the paper beyond the surface at least in some areas marks are likely to return in future.

Good luck!!