How To Preserve And Store Your Paper Collectibles
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How to Preserve and Store Your Paper Collectibles
Collecting posters can be both fun and profitable. However, your once-valuable poster can quickly lose its worth if not properly preserved, turning yellow and brittle within just a few months. What causes this deterioration, and how can it be prevented? This article explores how paper is made, the best materials for long-term storage, and guidelines for preserving your paper collectibles.
Understanding Paper Production
Paper is primarily composed of plant fibers reduced to a pulp, suspended in water, and then formed into sheets. These fibers are predominantly cellulose, found in materials like cotton, known for its strength and durability. While cotton has been used for making paper, most modern papers are derived from wood pulp.
Wood pulp comes in two types: groundwood and chemical wood. Groundwood involves shredding entire logs, while chemical wood is created by processing wood chips in chemical digesters. Due to its affordability, groundwood is used in cheap papers like newsprint, commonly found in newspapers and comic books. On the other hand, chemically purified pulp is used for high-quality papers, such as in stationery and some hardcover books.
Groundwood pulp contains impurities like lignin, a complex woody substance, whereas chemical pulps remove these impurities through processing.
Causes of Paper Deterioration
The main culprits of paper deterioration are oxidation and acid hydrolysis. Oxidation occurs when oxygen interacts with cellulose, causing paper to darken and become acidic. Lignin also breaks down under oxygen and UV light, leading to the yellowing of newspapers in sunlight.
Acid hydrolysis involves the breakdown of cellulose fibers due to heat and acids, resulting in brittle, brown paper. Acidity stems from lignin, air pollution, and by-products from paper oxidation. Alum, used to treat paper surfaces, can release sulfuric acid over time.
Acidity levels are measured in pH units, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7.0 being neutral. A pH of 4.5 indicates high acidity, common in fresh newsprint, while deteriorated paper might have a pH as low as 3.0. Although some modern papers are acid-free, most collectibles contain acids that require special preservation treatment.
Other factors contributing to paper deterioration include temperature and humidity extremes, pests, mold, and improper handling or storage.
Guidelines for Preservation
To protect your paper collectibles, keep them cool, dark, and dry. Store items in an unheated room, if possible, and monitor humidity regularly. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to control excess heat and moisture. Ensure storage materials like envelopes, sleeves, and boxes are archival quality to prevent contamination.
Choosing the Right Storage Materials
Polyethylene and Polypropylene
Collectors often use polyethylene bags and PVC sheets to store collectibles. Although these can keep contaminants away, many plastic sleeves contain additives that may leach into the paper, causing aging. Polyethylene is a decent moisture barrier but can shrink in warmth. Polypropylene bags, often marketed as archival, can only be sealed with harmful additives, making them unsuitable for long-term storage.
Mylar
The US Library of Congress recommends uncoated archival-quality polyester film like Mylar Type D or Melinex 516 for preserving documents. Mylar is strong, transparent, and resistant to moisture, pollutants, oils, and acids. With a lifespan of hundreds of years, Mylar enhances the appearance of collectibles and offers unmatched protection.
Acid-Free Boards and Boxes
Ordinary cardboard can be hazardous due to its acidity. Use acid-free boards with at least 3% calcium carbonate buffer and a pH of 8.5 for storage. Avoid boards labeled "acid-free at time of manufacture," as they only offer temporary protection. True acid-free boards are infused with a calcium buffer for lasting preservation.
Deciding to deacidify your collectibles before storage can further extend their lifespan. While deacidifying sprays are available for home use, professional services ensure optimal results. Deacidification neutralizes existing acids and slows oxidation, significantly extending your collection's longevity.
Final Recommendations
To ensure maximum protection for your collectibles, follow these guidelines: deacidify papers, store items in Mylar sleeves with acid-free boards and cartons, and keep them in cool, dark, and dry environments. Regularly inspect your collection and conduct pH and humidity tests to maintain their condition. By adhering to these practices, you can safeguard your collection's value and ensure it remains pristine for years to come.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: How To Preserve And Store Your Paper Collectibles.
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