Ezram
2022-01-22, 10:07 PM
Hello, fine folks of the Playground!
I have a very peculiar question: would any of you happen to know the precise material composition of a typical 3e or 3.5e hardcover's cover? Soon, I am going to be lightly cleaning/sanitizing a bunch of these books and I'd like to be certain that my cleaning products won't cause any cosmetic damage (people versed in maintaining and restoring books tend to swear by isopropyl alcohol and either cotton balls or lint-free microfiber cloths for hardcovers that aren't cloth-bound or leather-bound). The collection is a good mix of glossy/shiny covers (most of the generic D&D titles such as the 3.5e Monster Manual or the Epic Level Handbook), matte covers (the Forgotten Realms supplements) and a few that seem to be a combination of glossy and matte (the Eberron supplements); all of them are non-porous and obviously not leather-bound, but beyond that...I'm totally in the dark. The only guess that comes to mind is that they're laminate coated.
Ordinarily, I'm not particularly concerned with this subject; however, considering the age of these books and their pristine condition, it is paramount that accidental discoloration/fading be avoided. Unfortunately, Wizards of the Coast took down their forums long ago, so...that resource is no longer available :smallfrown:.
P.S. Moderators, if this thread would be better suited on another forum and/or would generate more advice elsewhere, I ask that you please move it at your earliest convenience.
I have a very peculiar question: would any of you happen to know the precise material composition of a typical 3e or 3.5e hardcover's cover? Soon, I am going to be lightly cleaning/sanitizing a bunch of these books and I'd like to be certain that my cleaning products won't cause any cosmetic damage (people versed in maintaining and restoring books tend to swear by isopropyl alcohol and either cotton balls or lint-free microfiber cloths for hardcovers that aren't cloth-bound or leather-bound). The collection is a good mix of glossy/shiny covers (most of the generic D&D titles such as the 3.5e Monster Manual or the Epic Level Handbook), matte covers (the Forgotten Realms supplements) and a few that seem to be a combination of glossy and matte (the Eberron supplements); all of them are non-porous and obviously not leather-bound, but beyond that...I'm totally in the dark. The only guess that comes to mind is that they're laminate coated.
Ordinarily, I'm not particularly concerned with this subject; however, considering the age of these books and their pristine condition, it is paramount that accidental discoloration/fading be avoided. Unfortunately, Wizards of the Coast took down their forums long ago, so...that resource is no longer available :smallfrown:.
P.S. Moderators, if this thread would be better suited on another forum and/or would generate more advice elsewhere, I ask that you please move it at your earliest convenience.