Laminating....

[C.Watson]

I should have taken pictures for all to see. But I recently found a few clippings with the large, bold font of : Victory In Italy! as well as some centerfold maps of Europe and some WW2 cartoons making fun of the Japs and Jerrys.
Question is should I laminate them? Should I keep them as is; in a cool, dry spot?
I have had them for awhile but where they are now I am afraid of the papers getting damp or due to the odd weather habits - too dry.

I would love to frame them but with the cost of framing it just isnt practical. I appreciate any suggestions and will be sure to post a picture.

[Paul R.]

Chris, Of course these are you prized possessions. You in the end will make whatever decision is best for you. First off as a conservator please do not laminate anything that you want to keep. Lamination in the long run destroys any item. Problems ranging from yellowing, separating of the laminating material and out gassing of lamination material. Humidity can be a problem. It always best to store these items with a dehumidifier or silica gel packs. If you want added protection use a Mylar sheeting to encapsulate the paper items, or any other acid free products.
Carefully unfold any folded items from paper to cloth and leather. In time folded items begin to tear. I just stabilized a small flag with multiple tears that was folded for 65 years. Use cotton or vinyl gloves to while handling artifacts. Ideally store your items at 68 degrees, 43-45% humidity, 24/7 365.

Of course do your own research on different processes for storage and handling.<O</O

[C.Watson]

Thank you for the added tips. The biggest worry off the top of my head was the seperation issue, I dont necessarily want to end up with 2 pieces of plastic with 'Victory in Italy' on either side.

Would humidity be a factor in framing?
I know about the anti-acid fabrics. But frames are not exactly air tight.



I suppose for the record I will say that I keep my papers and smaller fabric items in a wooden box containing silica packs, this of which is sitting at room temperature.

[Paul R.]

Chris. You are correct framing is not a barrier against humidity. Remember wood frames or storage boxes can out gas and attract moisture. If you use Mylar encapsulate the paper and place an acid free board between the paper items. You can place a paper item on top of the acid free board. On the other side have another document. Kind of like a sandwich
Do a site search in had an article on Mylar encapsulation. Sorry it was not pinned
Here is a start..http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...ighlight=mylar
You might have to custom make the encapsulation piece to fit each item. In that case purchase a larger piece of Mylar. Paul

[C.Watson]

Interesting material. But I am a little skeptical of the application process, would the plastics not stick to one another?
How does it hold up as far as "internally" - is gassing out an issue or does this material breathe in such a way that disperses humidity and acids?

[Paul R.]

Mylar is not plastic. It's an acid free material safe for archival storage. Most museums use these products for such item. I know of no damage or ever heard of Mylar compromising an item. Out gassing can and will destroy an item. or seriously altered it. The only way is to control humidity not wish it won't happen. Research the topic humidity causing damage.

[C.Watson]

Will do!
Thank you very much for the insight and handy materials. If this will add more years to the paper, consider it done.

All the best,

~Chris.