LED lighting is ideal, as it has the least impact on the vellum, but will still allow the needed light to view your historic artifact. One sort of parchment is vellum, a word that is used loosely to mean parchment, and especially to mean a fine skin, but more strictly refers to skins made from. If you choose to place your document on display, please consider placing it in a room that does not have direct sunlight exposure. Lastly, I also recommend avoiding direct light or UV exposure. Because it was thought to last longer it was quite. Handwritten books on paper became more common during the 15th century before the invention of printing, but vellum continued to be used. It is worthwhile to shop around and find a framer who is well-versed in handling vellum materials. Before paper was introduced to Europe books were written on specially prepared animal skins, vellum or parchment. If you are having your vellum manuscript framed, it is advised to locate a framer who will use the Chicago String Method, or related specialized framing methods, to help prevent warping and distortion of the vellum in the framing package over time. Keeping the relative humidity below 40% also prevents potential mold growth. Maintaining a steady relative humidity is helpful as well, as this will help prevent expansion and contraction of the vellum, which can result in warping and cockling. Use short bursts of heat until all the powder has been heated. Apply the heating tool to the back and front of the vellum (make sure not to go too close or the vellum may burn).

Tap off the excess embossing powder and return it to the jar. Since vellum and parchment are hygroscopic, meaning they will easily absorb moisture from the air, it is very important to keep the relative humidity within the 25-40% range. Apply the embossing powder to the vellum.

It is worthwhile to invest in a hygrometer and monitor the relative humidity of the environment. My first recommendation is to be certain your vellum is stored in a climate-controlled environment. One of the questions almost all clients ask is how they can care for their documents to preserve them for many generations to come, whether they are manuscripts or scrolls.

Many of my clients come to me for help preserving their historic vellum and parchment documents.

Vellum parchment