Preserving Your High School Diploma: Tips for Minimizing Damage and Restoring its Appearance
High school diplomas serve as important milestones in our lives. However, sometimes these cherished documents can suffer damage from folding or bending. In this article, we will discuss several steps you can take to minimize damage and restore the appearance of your diploma. Whether it's a sentimental keepsake or an important document, preserving and restoring your diploma can ensure it remains in good condition for years to come.
Steps to Minimize and Restore Damage
Avoid Further Folding: If your high school diploma has been folded or bent, the first and most important step is to stop folding or bending it further. Continued folding or bending can cause more damage to the document.
Flatten It Out: Place the diploma on a flat, clean surface. Use heavy books or a weight to gently press it down. Leaving it alone for a few hours or even overnight can help it regain its original shape.
Gentle Pressure: For optimal results, use a flat, hard object like a cardboard, or books to apply gentle pressure. Ensure that the weight is evenly distributed to avoid any additional bending.
Humidity: If the diploma is made of paper, slightly increasing the humidity can help it regain its shape. Place it in a bathroom while taking a hot shower or use a humidifier. This method should be used with caution, as excessive moisture can also cause damage.
Ironing if necessary: If the diploma is still wrinkled, you can use an iron. Cover the diploma with a thin cloth like a cotton handkerchief. Set the iron to the lowest heat setting without steam. Gently press the iron on the cloth for a few seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid any damage.
Professional Help for Significant Damage
Professional Conservator: If the diploma is significantly damaged or if it's important to preserve it in its original condition, consider taking it to a professional conservator who specializes in document restoration. Conservation experts have the knowledge and tools to handle delicate documents with care.
Proper Storage
Protective Measures: Once your diploma has been restored, store it flat in a protective sleeve to prevent future damage. Alternatively, have it nicely framed. This not only protects the document but also adds a touch of elegance to your home decor.
Personal Thoughts on Diplomas
Personally, I would shrug and move on. High school diplomas are a milestone, but they are often a distant memory. Since I haven't attended high school in over 13 years, my diploma holds no sentimental value to me. However, if it did, I would look up some tips online and try something I found there. Thanks for the A2A.
Another perspective is to take your diploma to a picture framer for repairs and then have it nicely framed. This not only preserves the document but also turns it into an aesthetically pleasing display item. Additionally, consider this shared experience: My HS diploma is in a picture frame and nearly 60 years old. It has no value other than as a vague memory, and the school I actually graduated from, Omaha Central, is not the same as the one I fondly remember from Tokyo Narimasu. If it got creased, all I would do is smooth it out and perhaps sigh.
Remember, your diploma is a significant achievement, and taking care of it can ensure that it remains a treasured keepsake or an important document for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use heat to flatten a creased or folded diploma?: It is not recommended to use heat, as it can cause damage to the paper. However, you can use an iron on the lowest heat setting with a cloth for protection.
Q2: What is the best way to store a diploma for long-term preservation?: Store your diploma flat in a protective sleeve or have it professionally framed to prevent future damage and ensure it remains in good condition.
Q3: Can I fold or bend a diploma multiple times without damaging it?: No, frequent folding or bending can cause irreparable damage to the document. Always handle it with care to protect its integrity.