How can I best preserve a piece of paper?
 

I've got a few signed letters, on paper (8X11 & 1/2) that I would like to protect & preserve. Any advice would be appreciated.

Mylar sheet protectors...


And keep those Letters far away from the following...

Direct Sunlight
Fluorescent Lighting
Dust
Moisture
Food
Drinks
Extreme cold
Extreme heat
Kids
Pets
Maids
Smokers
Smelly People
Nosey People
Ex-wives

A classic response! :p

Itoya makes a great and affordable portfolio called art profolio advantage that come in many different sizes. I've used these for woodcuts, supplements etc and they are very durable and display well. There are also individual sleeves from them that zip up although more economical to buy the portfolio style.

Funny...

Jeremy,

Vincent Murray (Historian, Arizona Historical Research) told me that plastic is not good for historic documents; it accelerates the deterioration. You should use archival quality folders. And I have noticed on all of these research "tv shows" that when they go to some institution that houses important historical items - the items are never in plastic sleeves... Always in archival quality folders....

Hopes this helps,
Shawn

I have quite a few paper items. I use Ultra Pro acid-free sleeves and put them in 8x10 toploaders. I also have a large binder or two of Ulra Pro 8x10 acid free pages full of lots of paper items.

On the flip side I have bought lots of items with really old plastic holders and most of them have turned yellow and/or brittle. I don't think these new types will do that. And everything is kept on a shelf in a dark closet. Where else you gonna keep some of this stuff?


http://luckeycards.com/poburdickletterfront.jpg

Hey Shawn,

Can you provide some info on how to go about acquiring these archival quality folders?


Thanks

Some Very Good Information!
 

Hi Chris,

I thought I bought mine from the Dick Blick store, but I just checked their online store and I do not see them listed.

Here is a list from the Smithsonian Institute for Conservation Suppliers:

http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_.../supplier.html

Also, use this link below - scroll down and find "Paper-Based Materials" on the right side of the screen - under that heading you will find a link "PDF" called ◾Caring for Paper Artifacts (Español )

It is a very informative read

http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_...are/index.html

I have used & use "archival" quality sleeves... But I am moving away from them. From my experience though, I have several issues with them. 1st is the issue of getting the document into the sleeve, especially if its a fragile document. In turn getting it out of the sleeve can be tricky and in my opinion the "sliding in and out" increases your odds damaging the document. 2nd is that static electricity is often an issue with the sleeves and I have read that can cause deterioration. 3rd, if you are in a location that has allot of humidity fluctuations, these sleeves can capture & retain moisture.

Helpful Hint:

If you do decide to go with the Sleeves in stead of folders here is a helpful hint that will help you slide the document into the sleeve:

Sandwich the document between two pieces of paper - then slide all three in at once - then slide the top sheet out - flip over the sleeve and slide the other sheet out. This helps you slide it in and also keeps you from handling the piece you are trying to protect.

Let me say this as well... Using Polyester sleeves can be a better option than folders, but only if you are planning on messing with it allot and you do not have any problem with humidity and as long as it is not loose and rattling around in the sleeve or very fragile.

Shawn

Thanks for all the responses. They left me a little unsure of what the best method is, though. I store them in a climate controlled space with no light at all, but I'd like to be able to handle & view them. Shawn, thanks for the links. They were very informative. I thought about the mylar sleeves & also like the method Leon uses. Those two would be best for handling & viewing, but I also want something that is safe long-term. Thanks again.