Hi guys,
I have learnt a lot this weekend about stuff that maybe of interest for you.
At Cardiff Film and Comic Con I met a couple whom have a company that sells products that protect your vintage paper items.
They are collectors themselves and I was alarmed by how many things I have been doing wrong. Using the wrong products to protect my paper items.
Here's a quick introduction:
[youtube]Zl8IOysRUkw[/youtube]
You can purchase chemically neutral pockets, backing boards and boxes from this company.
Its the exact same stuff that museums use to look after their historic documentation.
They have also supplied me with some documentation that you may find useful.
Whatever you collect the right storage is priceless !
The list of things we keep and collect is almost endless; some of the more obvious items people acquire are certificates, diaries, correspondence, journals, newspapers, tickets, licences, bank notes, photographs, autographs, comics, sport shirts etc.
Each item you choose to keep represents something unique and deserves special treatment and care because, clearly, you want it to last for years to come.
In order to ensure that the items you keep are well preserved, you need a very basic understanding of conservation principles. Careful storage and safe handling are the golden rules for ensuring the preservation of your collectibles.
WHY BOTHER?
Items deteriorate as a result of the quality of the materials used and because of environmental and chemical changes that take place in the materials over time and in changing environmental conditions. Whilst you can control how you treat your treasures, it is inevitable that over time some wear and tear will occur – which, in many instances, is perfectly acceptable and is an important part of the item's history and character.
However, as temporary custodians, the objective is to extend the life of your collection so that future generations can enjoy it as much as you and past generations have.
HOW TO PRESERVE
Similar to professional conservators you should try to protect your personal collections from harmful external factors as best you can. In order to help preserve the item you wish to keep, it is essential that you use good quality storage materials.
The first basic rule when it comes to preserving your valuables is to always use genuine conservation quality archival (acid free) paper and storage boxes to wrap, cover and contain the items that you wish to keep.
Storage in conservation quality products will help prevent damage and deterioration, slowing the aging process and adding years of life and enjoyment to the items you value.
If an acidic product (ie ordinary cardboard, plastic wallet, folder, newspaper, tissue paper, wood) comes into contact with paper, photos, autographs, books, textiles the destructive acid and other harmful oxidants can migrate, causing permanent damage and decay.
If you don't use genuine acid-free, high purity materials you will find that your treasured autographed items will discolour or disintegrate more quickly.
YOUR PRESERVATION CHECKLIST
In addition to using genuine conservation quality archival products to store your items, there are a number of ways which you can help protect your collection from damage and deterioration.
The do's
Handle all photos with care using clean, dry hands. Surgical or lint free cotton gloves can be used to protect your photos from dirt and grease.
Ensure that you keep your storage box in an area or room where air can circulate.
Keep your storage box in a pest and insect free area.
Always use conservation quality archival materials from a genuine archival supplier for your collection.
Remove any dust or mould carefully (always use a mask of suitable quality if mould is present as this can be harmful if inhaled) and make sure that photos and autographs are clean and dry before storing.
Label storage boxes clearly with their contents to minimise the need to search through boxes for specific items.
Keep your stored items at a constant temperature such as 13C-18C and the relative humidity should not exceed 50% for a prolonged period. Changes in temperature and humidity will irreversibly damage your photos and autographs.
If possible use a de-humidifier in humid conditions.
The don'ts
Don't store or hang anything in direct sunlight or bright light, ideally store it in the dark.
Don't use self-adhesive photograph albums.
Don't use newspaper or normal paper to wrap photos, posters or autographs or to line storage boxes.
Don't use ordinary envelopes, files, coloured tissue paper or ordinary cardboard storage boxes.
Don't use pens or felt tip markers on or near your collectibles.
Don't use standard plastic bags of unknown quality, acetate or PVC, plastic tubes, wallets, envelopes, files, or sleeves. Safer plastics to use are conservation grade polyester, co-extruded polyester/polyethylene, which is used for album pages and pure virgin polyethylene containing reactive copper to defend against corrosive gases.
Don't use frames that have poor quality mountboard, blackcore or are backed with wood.
Never, under any circumstances use any standard form of ordinary pressure sensitive tape or adhesive tape such as cellotape, brown tape, masking tape etc. They are extremely difficult to remove and will leave a sticky acidic residue in the form of a yellow stain as they deteriorate.
Never laminate a photo, autograph, document to preserve it, also never use glue or tape that isn't reversible.
Don't use rubber bands, staples, pins or metal clips as paper will be stained as they begin to rust. Use brass or stainless steel instead.
Don't display or store any of your items near any heat sources or in areas high in humidity such as conservatories, near airing cupboards or places where condensation forms.
Don't store anything in damp areas like cellars, sheds, or garages.
Don't store boxes against external walls as they have high temperature fluctuations.
Avoid excessive handling and avoid folding items photos and posters.
Don't overfill storage boxes or folders as this will harm the contents.
Don't allow the storage box or its contents to get wet.
We all have priceless collectibles that preserve wonderful memories or build up a sizeable collection worth thousands of pounds. If you are interested in preserving it right and learn about how to best store your items visit our site at http://www.franksautographs.com
Nick & Natasha Hopkins work closely with a conservation company holder of the Royal Warrant by appointment to her Majesty the Queen, supplying customers such as The Vatican, The Louvre – Paris, The Rijksmuseum – Netherlands and at home The Bank of England, The British Museum, the National Trust & many more.
We exhibit at a number of events all year around so don't hesitate to visit our stand.
Storage matters (conservation) – Did You Know?
What Is Acid-Free—and Why Does It Matter?
If an acidic product comes into contact with paper, photos, textiles or other similar items, the acid can migrate, causing permanent damage and decay. This is why it is so very important to use good quality Acid Free and archival materials for the preservation of your treasured autographs.
Storage in archival products will slow the ageing process and add years of life to the items you value. It is better to prevent damage and deterioration, than try to repair or correct it.
If you don't use true acid free materials you will find that your autographs and photos may discolour or disintegrate more quickly than they would naturally.
For the storage of photo's you additionally need to check that the materials you use are photo-safe or have passed the PAT test.
Archival quality
Unfortunately this is a term used widely to indicate that materials are safe – but it does not mean they have undergone laboratory analysis to determine and confirm that their acidic and conservation properties are within safe levels.
Photo safe
In the UK this is a term similar to archival quality but more specific to materials used with photographs.
PAT test – Photographic Activity Test
This is an independent analysis and laboratory test; developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) the test determines whether or not a storage material will cause fading or staining in photographs. These tests are expensive to do and only carried out by a few institutions in the world. Our suppliers P.A.T test data is from independent tests performed at the Image Permanence Institute (IPI) at Rochester Institute of Technology - USA.
PH Factor
This refers to the acidity of a paper. The pH scale is the standard for measurement of acidity and alkalinity. It runs from 1 to 14 with each number representing a ten-fold increase; pH neutral is 7. Acidfree products have a pH factor of 7 or above.
Why Do Paper/photographs Deteriorate?
Until the mid 19th century, most papers were made of rag or cloth stock. Around 1860 the paper mills started using ground wood with acids, bleach, and alum-rosin sizing resulting in papers with a high acid content (low pH). These papers react with water and the atmosphere to produce self-destructive acidic compounds. These acids act on the paper, shorten the fibres, causing them to become brittle, discolour and crumble into dust.
What can I do to prevent my valuables be damaged?
You need to store your items in a safe environment but equally important
you need to keep your autograph in safe genuine acid free box, like our recommended ringbinders and boxes. If you are in any doubt about how to care for and store an item, please consult a professional conservator for specific advice.
For more in-depth information on the care and conservation of a range of different materials or objects, an excellent article on preservation can bee seen on the Liverpool Museums site entitled Past, Present, Future at: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/nof/agents/past_present_future.pdf
Storage (conservation) Guidelines
The following tips, combined with our ringbinder and conservation boxes will help ensure your precious autographs and documents are available for generations to come.
Do's & Don'ts
Don'ts
• Don't store anything in direct sunlight or bright light, ideally store in the dark.
• Don't use self-adhesive photograph albums.
• Don't use newspaper to wrap documents or line boxes.
• Don't use ordinary envelopes, files, tissue paper or standard cardboard boxes.
• Don't use pens or felt tip markers on or near your artefacts.
• Don't use standard polythene or plastic bags, PVC, plastic envelopes and files. The safe plastics are polyester or Mylar which are free of plasticisers these are used to make our album pages and sleeves.
• Don't use frames that have poor quality mount board or are backed with wood.
• Never under any circumstances use any standard form of pressure sensitive tape or adhesive tape.
• Never laminate a photo or document to preserve it. Also never use standard glue.
• Don't use rubber bands, staples, pins, or metal clips.
• Don't store in areas high in humidity such as conservatories, near airing cupboards or places where condensation forms or near any heat sources.
• Don't store anything in damp areas like cellars, sheds or garages.
• Don't store boxes against external walls as these have high temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid folding items or excessive handling.
• Do not overfill box as this will harm the contents and it will be unsafe to handle the weight.
• Do not allow the box or its contents to get wet.
Do's
• Try and store to as constant temperature as possible such as 13-18°C and the relative humidity should not exceed 50% for a prolonged period.
• Keep originals in original and permanent formats.
• Always handle photographic media gently and with great care to avoid finger marks on images. Use appropriate gloves.
• Try to ensure that you store your box in an area or room where air can circulate.
• Ensure that you store your box in a pest and insect free area.
• Always use genuine "Archival Quality Materials" (paper, adhesives, tape) for your box or collection.
• Remove any dust and mould carefully before storing.
• Try to organise your collection and label it as you go along.
I have learnt a lot this weekend about stuff that maybe of interest for you.
At Cardiff Film and Comic Con I met a couple whom have a company that sells products that protect your vintage paper items.
They are collectors themselves and I was alarmed by how many things I have been doing wrong. Using the wrong products to protect my paper items.
Here's a quick introduction:
[youtube]Zl8IOysRUkw[/youtube]
You can purchase chemically neutral pockets, backing boards and boxes from this company.
Its the exact same stuff that museums use to look after their historic documentation.
They have also supplied me with some documentation that you may find useful.
Whatever you collect the right storage is priceless !
The list of things we keep and collect is almost endless; some of the more obvious items people acquire are certificates, diaries, correspondence, journals, newspapers, tickets, licences, bank notes, photographs, autographs, comics, sport shirts etc.
Each item you choose to keep represents something unique and deserves special treatment and care because, clearly, you want it to last for years to come.
In order to ensure that the items you keep are well preserved, you need a very basic understanding of conservation principles. Careful storage and safe handling are the golden rules for ensuring the preservation of your collectibles.
WHY BOTHER?
Items deteriorate as a result of the quality of the materials used and because of environmental and chemical changes that take place in the materials over time and in changing environmental conditions. Whilst you can control how you treat your treasures, it is inevitable that over time some wear and tear will occur – which, in many instances, is perfectly acceptable and is an important part of the item's history and character.
However, as temporary custodians, the objective is to extend the life of your collection so that future generations can enjoy it as much as you and past generations have.
HOW TO PRESERVE
Similar to professional conservators you should try to protect your personal collections from harmful external factors as best you can. In order to help preserve the item you wish to keep, it is essential that you use good quality storage materials.
The first basic rule when it comes to preserving your valuables is to always use genuine conservation quality archival (acid free) paper and storage boxes to wrap, cover and contain the items that you wish to keep.
Storage in conservation quality products will help prevent damage and deterioration, slowing the aging process and adding years of life and enjoyment to the items you value.
If an acidic product (ie ordinary cardboard, plastic wallet, folder, newspaper, tissue paper, wood) comes into contact with paper, photos, autographs, books, textiles the destructive acid and other harmful oxidants can migrate, causing permanent damage and decay.
If you don't use genuine acid-free, high purity materials you will find that your treasured autographed items will discolour or disintegrate more quickly.
YOUR PRESERVATION CHECKLIST
In addition to using genuine conservation quality archival products to store your items, there are a number of ways which you can help protect your collection from damage and deterioration.
The do's
Handle all photos with care using clean, dry hands. Surgical or lint free cotton gloves can be used to protect your photos from dirt and grease.
Ensure that you keep your storage box in an area or room where air can circulate.
Keep your storage box in a pest and insect free area.
Always use conservation quality archival materials from a genuine archival supplier for your collection.
Remove any dust or mould carefully (always use a mask of suitable quality if mould is present as this can be harmful if inhaled) and make sure that photos and autographs are clean and dry before storing.
Label storage boxes clearly with their contents to minimise the need to search through boxes for specific items.
Keep your stored items at a constant temperature such as 13C-18C and the relative humidity should not exceed 50% for a prolonged period. Changes in temperature and humidity will irreversibly damage your photos and autographs.
If possible use a de-humidifier in humid conditions.
The don'ts
Don't store or hang anything in direct sunlight or bright light, ideally store it in the dark.
Don't use self-adhesive photograph albums.
Don't use newspaper or normal paper to wrap photos, posters or autographs or to line storage boxes.
Don't use ordinary envelopes, files, coloured tissue paper or ordinary cardboard storage boxes.
Don't use pens or felt tip markers on or near your collectibles.
Don't use standard plastic bags of unknown quality, acetate or PVC, plastic tubes, wallets, envelopes, files, or sleeves. Safer plastics to use are conservation grade polyester, co-extruded polyester/polyethylene, which is used for album pages and pure virgin polyethylene containing reactive copper to defend against corrosive gases.
Don't use frames that have poor quality mountboard, blackcore or are backed with wood.
Never, under any circumstances use any standard form of ordinary pressure sensitive tape or adhesive tape such as cellotape, brown tape, masking tape etc. They are extremely difficult to remove and will leave a sticky acidic residue in the form of a yellow stain as they deteriorate.
Never laminate a photo, autograph, document to preserve it, also never use glue or tape that isn't reversible.
Don't use rubber bands, staples, pins or metal clips as paper will be stained as they begin to rust. Use brass or stainless steel instead.
Don't display or store any of your items near any heat sources or in areas high in humidity such as conservatories, near airing cupboards or places where condensation forms.
Don't store anything in damp areas like cellars, sheds, or garages.
Don't store boxes against external walls as they have high temperature fluctuations.
Avoid excessive handling and avoid folding items photos and posters.
Don't overfill storage boxes or folders as this will harm the contents.
Don't allow the storage box or its contents to get wet.
We all have priceless collectibles that preserve wonderful memories or build up a sizeable collection worth thousands of pounds. If you are interested in preserving it right and learn about how to best store your items visit our site at http://www.franksautographs.com
Nick & Natasha Hopkins work closely with a conservation company holder of the Royal Warrant by appointment to her Majesty the Queen, supplying customers such as The Vatican, The Louvre – Paris, The Rijksmuseum – Netherlands and at home The Bank of England, The British Museum, the National Trust & many more.
We exhibit at a number of events all year around so don't hesitate to visit our stand.
Storage matters (conservation) – Did You Know?
What Is Acid-Free—and Why Does It Matter?
If an acidic product comes into contact with paper, photos, textiles or other similar items, the acid can migrate, causing permanent damage and decay. This is why it is so very important to use good quality Acid Free and archival materials for the preservation of your treasured autographs.
Storage in archival products will slow the ageing process and add years of life to the items you value. It is better to prevent damage and deterioration, than try to repair or correct it.
If you don't use true acid free materials you will find that your autographs and photos may discolour or disintegrate more quickly than they would naturally.
For the storage of photo's you additionally need to check that the materials you use are photo-safe or have passed the PAT test.
Archival quality
Unfortunately this is a term used widely to indicate that materials are safe – but it does not mean they have undergone laboratory analysis to determine and confirm that their acidic and conservation properties are within safe levels.
Photo safe
In the UK this is a term similar to archival quality but more specific to materials used with photographs.
PAT test – Photographic Activity Test
This is an independent analysis and laboratory test; developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) the test determines whether or not a storage material will cause fading or staining in photographs. These tests are expensive to do and only carried out by a few institutions in the world. Our suppliers P.A.T test data is from independent tests performed at the Image Permanence Institute (IPI) at Rochester Institute of Technology - USA.
PH Factor
This refers to the acidity of a paper. The pH scale is the standard for measurement of acidity and alkalinity. It runs from 1 to 14 with each number representing a ten-fold increase; pH neutral is 7. Acidfree products have a pH factor of 7 or above.
Why Do Paper/photographs Deteriorate?
Until the mid 19th century, most papers were made of rag or cloth stock. Around 1860 the paper mills started using ground wood with acids, bleach, and alum-rosin sizing resulting in papers with a high acid content (low pH). These papers react with water and the atmosphere to produce self-destructive acidic compounds. These acids act on the paper, shorten the fibres, causing them to become brittle, discolour and crumble into dust.
What can I do to prevent my valuables be damaged?
You need to store your items in a safe environment but equally important
you need to keep your autograph in safe genuine acid free box, like our recommended ringbinders and boxes. If you are in any doubt about how to care for and store an item, please consult a professional conservator for specific advice.
For more in-depth information on the care and conservation of a range of different materials or objects, an excellent article on preservation can bee seen on the Liverpool Museums site entitled Past, Present, Future at: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/nof/agents/past_present_future.pdf
Storage (conservation) Guidelines
The following tips, combined with our ringbinder and conservation boxes will help ensure your precious autographs and documents are available for generations to come.
Do's & Don'ts
Don'ts
• Don't store anything in direct sunlight or bright light, ideally store in the dark.
• Don't use self-adhesive photograph albums.
• Don't use newspaper to wrap documents or line boxes.
• Don't use ordinary envelopes, files, tissue paper or standard cardboard boxes.
• Don't use pens or felt tip markers on or near your artefacts.
• Don't use standard polythene or plastic bags, PVC, plastic envelopes and files. The safe plastics are polyester or Mylar which are free of plasticisers these are used to make our album pages and sleeves.
• Don't use frames that have poor quality mount board or are backed with wood.
• Never under any circumstances use any standard form of pressure sensitive tape or adhesive tape.
• Never laminate a photo or document to preserve it. Also never use standard glue.
• Don't use rubber bands, staples, pins, or metal clips.
• Don't store in areas high in humidity such as conservatories, near airing cupboards or places where condensation forms or near any heat sources.
• Don't store anything in damp areas like cellars, sheds or garages.
• Don't store boxes against external walls as these have high temperature fluctuations.
• Avoid folding items or excessive handling.
• Do not overfill box as this will harm the contents and it will be unsafe to handle the weight.
• Do not allow the box or its contents to get wet.
Do's
• Try and store to as constant temperature as possible such as 13-18°C and the relative humidity should not exceed 50% for a prolonged period.
• Keep originals in original and permanent formats.
• Always handle photographic media gently and with great care to avoid finger marks on images. Use appropriate gloves.
• Try to ensure that you store your box in an area or room where air can circulate.
• Ensure that you store your box in a pest and insect free area.
• Always use genuine "Archival Quality Materials" (paper, adhesives, tape) for your box or collection.
• Remove any dust and mould carefully before storing.
• Try to organise your collection and label it as you go along.
