Document protector?

[Eric K.]

What is the best way to safely store documents? Will the plastic have any effects on the paper?
Thanks.
Eric.

[ramon]

Any materials which come in contact with paper for purposes of storage, protection must be non acidic or reactive to the paper. I suggest contacting a stationery vendor who deals in archive quality products sold for the very purpose you are seeking a solution to.


Many plastics have BHT which tends to have a yellowing influence on items in contact with the plastic.

[Eric K.]

Thanks for the info ,I'll search around and hopefully find something local.

Eric.

[ramon]

Hello Eric.


Take a look at www.universityproducts.com Their catalog will give you some ideas to look for.

You can also try Google.de to search for those companies might be who carry these types of items in Germany.

[Presley M. Cheshire]

One Word; Mylar!

Eric, Regular polypropylene plastic will over time bleed over to the paper and discolour it, it is acidic. Mylar is extremely clear, inert, and 100% acid free. Mylar is considered the most archival of all protective sleeves.
I have been using this for years on my record collection picture sleeves (45's) and LP covers. There is none better. The U.S.National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) uses Mylar to preserve our country's important documents. They are resposible for a couple of important documents; the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. I get mine from www.bagsunlimited.com. Great service and fast shipping included in the price, in most cases. The bottom line is just remember Mylar. I hope this helps.

All the Best! Presley

[Eric K.]

I'll probably go with mylar if its good for the constitution its good for me!!!!
Thanks for the web site.
I know its worth the money but theres nothing about this hobby that is cheap .

Eric

[bhholst]

Hello Eric.

In Germany you may want to contact www.bretzendorfer.de

The sizes there are DIN however and the German documents will fit of course.
Bernhard H.Holst

[Richard]

Presley, somewhat confused on the polypropylene comment and you now have me worried. I've purchased some sleeves from this material from Light Impressions of Rochester, NY, a very large producer of archival photo products and was told that it is a safe material for photos and documents as it is acid and PVC free. It is described as archival and in the list of archival materials they have the following:
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polyester (Mylar)
High Density Polyethylene

Additionally, I have used some Ultro Pro Platinum series 9 pocket collector card pages for my photos that are also Polypropylene and are described as archival as well as acid and PVC free. You did mention regular Polypropylene and I was wondering if you know if there are different types? Don't want to expose my photos and docs to anything dangerous but was assured that these archival protectors would be safe over time and are used the world over by professional photographers, document and photo collectors. Based on the fact that mylar is used for such important historical docs, I think I will be buying these from now on myself, but am wondering if the protectors I currently have will be safe for long term storage as promised by the manufacturers?
Richard V

[Presley M. Cheshire]

No Worries!

Richard, You are right there are varying grades and degrees of the polypropylene plastic. The key word is "regular". I should have made that distinction more clear, sorry. There are a lot of places that you can buy plain old plastic sleeves and these will wreck your paper over time, and not that much time, 2-4 years. These are acidic and give off fumes from the chemical composition in the plastic. Comic book stores will usually sell you the junk sleeves unless they know you or you ask about the quality. The key is to be aware and go for the archival product from a reputable dealer.
It sounds like the ones that you have been purchasing are from a quality company that knows and apprieciates the concern with preservation. I believe that you will be more than fine with what you have, and should hold up quite well over the long term.
Mylar just happens to be at the top of the list (for now) when it comes to archiving documents and paper.
When I found out about Mylar I think I was paying about $3.00 a sleeve for an LP. But on a $2,500.00 album I figured it was worth the price. Record LP's are notorious for discolouring due to the papers, inks and glues used to make them. Mylar is a bit more expensive (not bad now) but I think it is worth it. Heck, all of this stuff I have will still be around long after I'm dead and buried. I'm just glad I have the opportunity to help slow the ravages time so that those further on up the road will be able to enjoy them in all their glory. I hope this helps.

Sincerely, Presley

[Paul Giva]

Eric, Regular polypropylene plastic will over time bleed over to the paper and discolour it, it is acidic. Mylar is extremely clear, inert, and 100% acid free. Mylar is considered the most archival of all protective sleeves.
I have been using this for years on my record collection picture sleeves (45's) and LP covers. There is none better. The U.S.National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) uses Mylar to preserve our country's important documents. They are resposible for a couple of important documents; the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. I get mine from www.bagsunlimited.com. Great service and fast shipping included in the price, in most cases. The bottom line is just remember Mylar. I hope this helps.

All the Best! Presley

Presley,

Apologies for resurrecting a very old thread, but I was wondering if you could tell me which particular Mylar product you purchase from bagunlimited. Any help is appreciated.