Stable single-phase liquids containing polyvinyl metals and a chlorinated hydrocarbon which may be used for the treatment of books and similar items are described. Particularly suitable liquids are obtained by adding 2 cc of a solution of a) 1 g NaOH in 5 cc. H₂O, 10 cc methanol and 90 cc isopropanol or b) 10 g Ba(OH)₂8H₂O in 100 cc methanol or c) 10 g Mg(CH₃CO₂)₂4H₂O in 10 cc H₂O and 90 cc isopropanol to 100 cc of a solution of 3.5 g polyvinyl acetal in 15 cc isopropanol, 5 cc methyl isobutyl ketone, 1 cc H₂O and either 79 cc trichloroethylene or 1, 1, 1, -trichlormethane. Entire books may be immersed in these solutions. Modern printing inks are insoluble in these liquids. -- AATA