Any place to order archival quality clear plastic bags/envelopes?

[Norm F]

Hi all,

I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and can't seem to find a place to get small Mylar or other archival quality plastic bags/envelopes for storing individual items such as medals, collar tabs, buttons, etc. -- preferably some kind of small zip-locked bags I presume, but that are safe for long term storage.
Does anyone know of a mail-order place serving the Canadian market? I'd greatly appreciate any leads.

Best regards,
---Norm

[Paul R.]

There are many places most in the US. Most of my fellow Canadain conservators order from the US. The company are Gaylord Conservation Supplies, Talas Comservation, University Products, Light Impressions.

I do not endorse or support any of these companies, nor receive any compansion

You may find some items at comic book, and coin stores might have them. However not all pages found in comic book, and coin stores are archival. You may need to ask. The four conservation companies sell only archival. Paul

[checkit]

I used to buy Mylar packets designed to hold a medal with ribbon from Worldwide Militaria Exchange - at the time (many years ago) they were 100 for $25. I'm fairly certain they still have them, but the price has likely gone up. As for the stiff document holders, there are many conservation suppliers that sell them - the prices seem to vary a lot, so just keep looking until you find a fair price. Sometimes you find supplies listed on eBay for even less than the price on the same company's Internet page

[Michael Fay]

if you dont mind an American based company

Norm,
I am sure these guys will send you their stuff. BCE is their name.
These guys have some really good stuff. The comic book world has been way ahead of the militaria world when it comes to preservation.
http://bcemylar.com/

-Michael

[Paul R.]

Michael.. Thanks
Yes, the comic trade is way ahead of militaria world. Looks like some good products. Along with all the archival things keep in mind. The most over look and never thought of is humidity levels. Even with the best archival storage systems. The acid free products will fail with high humidity levels. Ideally keep humidity between 43-45%, 24/7, 365. Yes, I hear it from people they claim that humidity has not ruined their collection in over 65 years. Yet they complain of moisture damage, and musty smelling item that were stored in their basements.

[Michael Fay]

Michael.. Thanks
Yes, the comic trade is way ahead of militaria world. Looks like some good products. Along with all the archival things keep in mind. The most over look and never thought of is humidity levels. Even with the best archival storage systems. The acid free products will fail with high humidity levels. Ideally keep humidity between 43-45%, 24/7, 365. Yes, I hear it from people they claim that humidity has not ruined their collection in over 65 years. Yet they complain of moisture damage, and musty smelling item that were stored in their basements.

Paul,
no problem.
I have been using this companies archival bags for about 6 years.
I use the de-acidification sheets on some of my really special stuff. I cant vouch that it works, but I believe it helps, as I choose to trust their "science." . but everything seems at least as fresh as when I put them in the bags.
I am glad to be attempting to do the right thing.

[Stu W]

Hello,

Most sports card shops carry archival envelopes in various sizes and shapes suitable for flat objects.

Carr McLean also has a wide selection of items and they are in Canada.

http://bing.search.sympatico.ca/?q=a...&setLang=en-CA

Regards,
Stu

[Nische]

I've actually bought from BCE in the past for their hard plastic holders. I use them for my postcards, and they work pretty well.

Also, REI carries a great number of assorted sizes of clear plastic (pill) boxes as well as quality zip lock type bags. I use both the clear plastic pill boxes as well as the zip lock type bags for pin and medal storage.

If you're ever in an REI store, check out all the stuff they have over at their camping gear area. You'll be surprised how much of it you can use.

[Norm F]

Everyone seems to have flat sleeves for various paper products but I'm looking for small ziplock baggies basically, but in archival quality material, to store individual insignia badges, buttons, etc. -- tougher to find it seems.
Best regards,
---Norm

[Paul R.]

Humm.. I'm confused? Since when did REI start selling acidfree plastic bags and storage containers for artifacts? Did I miss something here?