How do I get whiteout off of paper without damaging the paper?

One way to remove whiteout from paper without damaging it is to gently scrape off the dried whiteout using a razor blade or a sharp knife. Be very careful not to press too hard or cut into the paper.

Another method is to use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or cloth to gently dab at the whiteout until it starts to lift off the paper. Be sure to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of the paper first to ensure it does not cause any damage.

You can also try using a white eraser to gently rub at the whiteout until it starts to come off. Again, be careful not to press too hard and damage the paper.

If these methods do not work, you may want to consider using a professional document restoration service to remove the whiteout without damaging the paper.

Method 1: Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)

Materials:

- Acetone (nail polish remover)
- Cotton ball or swab
- Paper towel

Steps:

1. Dip a cotton ball or swab into the acetone.
2. Gently blot the whiteout with the acetone-soaked cotton.
3. Use a clean area of the cotton ball or swab for each blot to avoid spreading the whiteout.
4. Blot the area with a paper towel to remove the acetone.

Method 2: Lighter Fluid

Materials:

- Lighter fluid
- Cotton ball or swab
- Paper towel

Steps:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1, using lighter fluid instead of acetone.
2. Do not let the lighter fluid soak into the paper.
3. Blot the area with a paper towel to remove the lighter fluid.

Method 3: Eraser

Materials:

- Kneaded eraser
- Soft-bristled brush

Steps:

1. Gently rub the whiteout with a kneaded eraser.
2. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any eraser residue.

Method 4: Isopropyl Alcohol

Materials:

- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Cotton ball or swab
- Paper towel

Steps:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from Method 1, using isopropyl alcohol instead of acetone.
2. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the paper first to ensure it does not damage the ink.

Tips:

- Always test the chosen method on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage the paper.
- Start with small amounts of the solvent and gradually increase as needed.
- Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as this can damage the paper.
- Blot the area with a paper towel immediately after using the solvent to prevent it from soaking into the paper.
- If the whiteout is thick or has been applied multiple times, it may take several attempts to remove it completely.