Paper conservators have long recognized the benefits of enzymes in the conservation treatment of works of art. Most commonly, hydrolase-type enzymes are employed in the conservation of works on paper to assist in the breakdown of adhesive residues from previous restorations or to facilitate the removal of secondary supports such as linings or mounts. The principal advantages of these enzymes are their specificity and efficiency in catalyzing hydrolytic cleavage of polymers such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids. This work evaluates the effectiveness of two protease enzymes while taking into consideration cost effectiveness, optimal working conditions, and after-treatment effects. Efficacy of the enzyme treatments in the removal of proteinaceous adhesive from hot, cold, and rough-surfaced watercolor papers was evaluated. It was found that both enzymes performed very well in optimal conditions that ranged from a pH of 3.3 for pepsin to a pH of 7.5 for trypsin, both at room temperature. Color measurements of the sample substrates were recorded before and after enzyme treatments. After treatment L* values were very close to L* values for untreated control samples, confirming a panel assessment that rated visible reductions in adhesive residue. Half of the sample population was aged for one week in 75[degree]C and 65% RH conditions. L* values showed very little difference between the before aged and after aged samples, indicating no signs of discoloration of either minor adhesive or enzyme residues. The fruition of this research was realized in the successful conservation treatment of an Indian miniature utilizing the protease enzyme trypsin that was incorporated into a gel; conservation treatment is discussed.