Basic Preservation of Antique Prints and Ephemera for Storage

Private collectors of antiquarian prints and paper ephemera have good intentions of preserving their collections for themselves and hopefully future generations.  Hours are spent accumulating, organizing, labeling and placing the collection in albums, boxes and scrapbooks to maintain the precious items.  However, the key elements that extend the longevity of materials are often overlooked, diminishing the goals of the collector.  Many of the albums, scrapbooks and file boxes readily available are made with low quality materials which will embrittle and discolor items.  Inappropriate tapes and adhesives can yellow and ooze.  Paper clips and staples can rust and harm the print over time.  Awareness to the danger of these materials, knowledge, use of proper tools and quality materials is important to the life of your collection.  Using safe procedures and appropriate materials to house your collection will produce safe storage of your priced prints and ephemera.  Below is a list of important points towards the preserving of antiquarian paper items:

Handling ~ Always handle antique paper with cotton gloves or thoroughly washed hands.  The oils on skin can cause damage and stain.  Once you receive your print, remove it immediately from the shipping tube and store it lying flat or properly framed with archival-quality materials.

Environment ~

Over time environment will effect the longevity of stored materials.  Have a stable environment of 75 degrees or lower with a humidity level of 40% - 45%.  Items should not be stored in an attic, basement or anywhere temperatures and humidity extremes occur.  Heat accelerates deterioration and high humidity provides the moisture necessary to promote, harmful chemical reactions in materials.  Heat and moisture encourages mold growth and insect activity.  Especially avoid exposure to direct sunlight. 

Materials ~

Archival quality materials should be used to protect and guard your collection.  The purpose of using archival quality materials is to reduce the damaging impact of poor environment or handling.  Archival quality has become loosely used by manufacturers, therefore, check for content of the materials before purchasing.

      Use Paper Products that are ~

•  Acid-free [having a ph of  7.0 or higher]
•  Lignin-free [made from cotton or linen or other fiber which has had the lignin removed]
•  Buffered [with a calcium carbonate reserve which acts as a neutralizer to counter-act acids that may form in the future.

      Use only Mylar, polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene sleeves  ~ Never use plastic or vinyl!

      Use only acid-neutral polyvinyl acetate adhesives for construction of  boxes, albums and storage containers