Collection Storage

[bobcam1]

You should research the web, and past threads, and draw your own conclusions. As a conservator I have seen many poor storage choices that people make that causes severe damage to entire collections. Once that happens it’s too late. Remember it is not only plastic, but humidity as well.

I couldn't agree more with Paul's assessment! Research is completely necessary, when choosing the materials used to store and preserve these precious artifacts!

There is a WEALTH of information, online, that will guide you to the best choices for conservation and preservation of collections like ours, and everyone should take advantage of this valuable information, so that generations to come, can enjoy these things, as well.....

My wariness comes, not from the established, tried-and-true information, but from the people who glean this information and then presume to call themselves conservators, when in reality, they are just information gatherers.

There have been instances on some of the forums, of people who dispense information gathered from a wide variety of uncredited sources, while claiming that they, themselves are conservators, when in reality, investigation proves that they are not.....

These are the "experts" to stay away from, because they can cause more harm than good, by not being well-versed in the subject.

Finding out all you can, and making up your own mind, based on solid, tested knowledge, is sound advice. Once the damage is done, it can RARELY be UNdone.

Bob.

[Stahlhelm]

I do know that the "Print File" brand of storage sleeves is archivally-safe. This is a brand that definitely produces archival storage products. I have kept countless amounts of photographs and documents in those sleeves for about 15 years now, with no ill effects.

I have also examined the particular plastic storage boxes pictured in this thread, and I at least know that they are advertised to be archival. The whole work box is supposed to be archival. However, I admit that I do not know the exact type of plastic of which they are made. The next time I go to the store that sells them, I will examine them more carefully. However again, I highly believe that they are okay.

The only thing I would question is the use of the common index card pieces as a backing for the medals. Those are likely nothing special and likely do contain acid. I would instead use a backing material of a certain acid-free composition. Those are very inexpensive and very easy to find. Most comic book stores even sell them as a backing for stored comic books. I personally just buy those and cut them into the sizes I need.

Chris

[bobcam1]

Chris,
As always, I usually get a great tip from your replies!...The acid-free cardboard from the comic book store is a GREAT idea!....There's one near me, and I'm off to grab some, today. I'm sure that their prices will be better than the archival material sites, too!

Thanks,
Bob.

[Stahlhelm]

Chris,
As always, I usually get a great tip from your replies!...The acid-free cardboard from the comic book store is a GREAT idea!....There's one near me, and I'm off to grab some, today. I'm sure that their prices will be better than the archival material sites, too!

Thanks,
Bob.

I'm always glad to help, Bob!

Chris

[Rik]

I made the comment on the plastic boxes because I'm searching for the best way to store and preserve my cased medals and badges. I like the way Greg has organized his medals. And maybe I steal some of his ideas.
I'f these boxes are safe I'd like to get a few of them, so please let me know what you find out.

KR,
Rik

I have also examined the particular plastic storage boxes pictured in this thread, and I at least know that they are advertised to be archival. The whole work box is supposed to be archival. However, I admit that I do not know the exact type of plastic of which they are made. The next time I go to the store that sells them, I will examine them more carefully. However again, I highly believe that they are okay.
Chris

[Stahlhelm]

I made the comment on the plastic boxes because I'm searching for the best way to store and preserve my cased medals and badges. I like the way Greg has organized his medals. And maybe I steal some of his ideas.
I'f these boxes are safe I'd like to get a few of them, so please let me know what you find out.

KR,
Rik

I'll be sure to let you know, KR.

Chris

[fischer]

Hello All

Any update on the plastic boxes? I would use them as well if they are safe.

Best Regards, fischer

[Michael Fay]

Mylar comic book bags and acid free cardboard backing

Chris,
As always, I usually get a great tip from your replies!...The acid-free cardboard from the comic book store is a GREAT idea!....There's one near me, and I'm off to grab some, today. I'm sure that their prices will be better than the archival material sites, too!

Thanks,
Bob.

I agree with Chris Stahlem, of course...always have.
I cut my teeth about preservation as a rare comic book collector as a kid.

But when you go to the comic book store....be careful, as there are cheaper brands of backing boards that are not archival or acid free. , and plastic covers that are not archival. You must ask, and read the info on label. Be sure to get mylar(especially Mylar D),when getting plastic covers and as a cautionary note, be wary of China made products in general.

I am not a professional conservator, just someone who is dying to conserve my paper collections and been in the comic book world for almost 40 years.

[Paul R.]

conservation

I agree with Chris Stahlem, of course...always have.
I cut my teeth about preservation as a rare comic book collector as a kid.

But when you go to the comic book store....be careful, as there are cheaper brands of backing boards that are not archival or acid free. , and plastic covers that are not archival. You must ask, and read the info on label. Be sure to get mylar(especially Mylar D),when getting plastic covers and as a cautionary note, be wary of China made products in general.

I am not a professional conservator, just someone who is dying to conserve my paper collections and been in the comic book world for almost 40 years.

Yes! Michael. I have been saying this before. One must be careful when buy some of these so called archival materials. I said this before. If you are not sure ask. If you are not satisfied with the answer do not buy them. Do your own research!

[roygrady]

Good idea, I will have to remember that.