Paper Ephemera needs to have some level of preservation to stand the test of time.
This is just a quick tip guide on how to protect your print, posters or paper collectibles. With a few care tips on storage, display and the framing of your print, paper & artwork
“WHAT WILL DAMAGE PAPER? Light, natural oils from your hands, high and low temperatures, humidity are all factors to be aware of when protecting your item. UV rays cause fading. They can also create heat, which speeds up chemical processes that naturally occur in the paper itself. Other damaging elements include light, dust, fingerprints, and unsafe handling. Here’s a detailed list of the enemies of paper ~
Heat. High temps speed up the rate of chemical reactions. Deterioration is caused by chemical reactions. The rate of deterioration doubles with each increase in temp of 18 degrees.
Relative Humidity. This is a complicated ratio that involves water vapor, temperature, and pressure. For our purposes, just keep in mind that temperature and relative humidity need to be considered together.
Dust and Dirt. Dust and dirt discolor paper records and scratch (or permanently disfigure) them over time. Use care when dusting papers. A soft brush is best.
Pollutants. Airborne pollutants such as ozone and sulfur dioxide create chemical reactions degrade dyes. The more polluted the city you live in, the more serious this problem will be for your collection.
Pests. Insects and rodents eat cellulose (a common ingredient in paper). They also eat starch, glue, and gelatin. Furry pests like rats, mice, and squirrels will nibble at your photographs, and even if they don’t take a bite, their droppings will leave permanent stains.
Be careful of unsafe handling – bending, breaking, spilling, sneezing or dropping . Do not eat or drink near your collection. Get a friend to help you move oversize items. Wear gloves–fingerprints can leave behind acidic oils that will eat away very slowly at the paper. If you really can’t stand wearing gloves, be sure to wash your hands and skip the lotion. Handle by the edges, if possible.” – Sally Jacobs – Archivist
Keep Books and Papers out of Damp Environments
Never store items in the basement or garage, as these locations tend to be damp, humid, cold, and unpredictable in their conditions. Mold will easily take hold in your first editions given the slightest opportunity, and cause large dark blemishes on the pages known as foxing. There is no easy way to clean pages once foxed, so prevention is the best method.<p>
Storing Paper in the Proper Manner
Because of their fragile nature, paper items can easily be damaged by improper storage conditions. Posters and prints should be kept flat, preferably in protective folders or portfolios, never upright in case their edges bend or tear. Items should not be stored in cardboard boxes, as cardboard is highly acidic and damaging acids will leach into the paper causing it to become yellow and brittle. The recommended type of boxes for archival care of prints are the “Manuscript boxes” or “Hollinger boxes,” which have metal edges that make them stronger and are constructed without the use of adhesives. Because some adhesives are caustic, they can leach through to the contents of the box.
Frame in Conservation Quality Materials
The safest way to store a print or other image on paper is by having it framed using conservation quality materials.
Make sure you use acid-free matte board and foam core backer, and make sure the picture is hinged using acid-free Japanese paper tape. Using non-acid free materials can severely damage your piece causing it to become discolored and brittle – cardboard and scotch tape are the absolute worst materials to have touching your item for a long period of time. Padding from the frame and glass is suggested and make sure the frame is properly sealed so that dirt and insects don’t slip inside the backer.
Other Storage Tips for Paper
Sealing antique or vintage items in plastic is never advisable because changes in temperature or humidity can cause condensation and mildew which can form inside the bag.
To keep the natural oils of your fingertips off the paper covers of your books, consider covering the book dust jackets with Mylar. (Mylar is a thin, acid-free plastic and ready made covers are available at art supply stores).
Protect your paper collectibles in transparent polyethylene bags or acetate sleeves if they are frequently viewed or handled. Remember to use archival folders, paper sleeves and boxes that won’t leach acids or other corrosive chemicals (acid free, lignin free & PAT passed products only). There are various sizes available for all your paper collectibles – from art prints, comic books, baseball cards, old magazines, and other ephemera.
We hope these few tips are used in preserving your paper collectibles. New to collecting? See our vintage & antique paper ephemera in our online shops, ranging from the 1910s – the late 1900s. best. pj At @seasidecollecibles
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