Flatten some old Emery Paper that was rolled up?

[Steve_Karl]

Hi there,
I've got 5 unused sheets of this paper but they were rolled up tightly in a small tube for about 30 years.
I've had them flattened out with heavy books sitting on them for 4 days but they still want to return to that rolled up shape when the weight is removed.

It says "Dry Only" on the back, but I'm guessing that means when being used?
So, I was wondering if wetting them down with water would allow them to straighten?
... and then let them dry with the weight still on them?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Steve

 

[swarfrat]

I wouldn't soak them in water, but you could possibly steam them. At first I was picturing something more complicated then I remembered - they make this device called a 'clothes iron' or just 'iron' that's expressedly invented with flattening fibers using steam and heat.

 

[bagman67]

For dry-only paper, I'd use an iron without any steam.  Otherwise you might wind up causing whatever problems would arise from using the paper wet, i.e., separation of abrasive medium from the paper, and so forth. 

 

[stratamania]

You could also try rolling them the other way but perhaps after that much time, it may be on the late side.

 

[Steve_Karl]

I wouldn't soak them in water, but you could possibly steam them. At first I was picturing something more complicated then I remembered - they make this device called a 'clothes iron' or just 'iron' that's expressedly invented with flattening fibers using steam and heat.

Ahh yes. Ironing. Never thought of that. Thank you!

 

[Steve_Karl]

For dry-only paper, I'd use an iron without any steam.  Otherwise you might wind up causing whatever problems would arise from using the paper wet, i.e., separation of abrasive medium from the paper, and so forth.

Good point. I'll try it dry, on the ironing board and with a tea towel on top.

 

[Steve_Karl]

You could also try rolling them the other way but perhaps after that much time, it may be on the late side.

Thanks.
That was my first thought but unfortunately it's also why I now only have 5 that are now worth trying to flatten.
Rolling that one in the other direction made a whole bunch of rough irregular folds in the abrasive side.
That one is not totally wasted. It can still be cut into small strips that are useful.

 

[stratamania]

You could also try rolling them the other way but perhaps after that much time, it may be on the late side.

Thanks.
That was my first thought but unfortunately it's also why I now only have 5 that are now worth trying to flatten.
Rolling that one in the other direction made a whole bunch of rough irregular folds in the abrasive side.
That one is not totally wasted. It can still be cut into small strips that are useful.

Ah, yes they probably have gone a little brittle. Still, anything useful you can do with them is a bonus at this stage.