Archiving Paper Memorabilia

How can you "protect" these pieces for future enjoyment? That question is asked by many who have shared our experience. To get that answer, you need to know something about paper making and what effects the quality of paper over time.

Modem paper is manufactured either entirely of wood pulp or cotton and or linen fibers or a combination of all of the above with other ingredients to provide whiteness and a good writing or printing texture. The higher the content of cotton or linen, the more stable, hence the longer lasting the paper will be. An example of a paper with a high cotton and or linen content (100%) is what our paper currency is printed on. We marvel at how durable it is! We've found paper currency in the laundry that, after drying, shows very little damage after the typical harsh wash cycle.

Because acids and other chemicals are used in paper making, your advertising pieces may show evidence of discoloration and often the edges have lost their sharpness. There are many other factors that affect the quality and preservation of paper. The pulp or rag content is only one of them. Other factors affecting the preservation of paper are: Ultraviolet light, humidity, temperature, insects and rodents, atmospheric pollutants, improper handling and improper storage materials.

Temperature and Humidity: Paper either absorbs or loses moisture as temperature and humidity levels vary. This action causes shrinking, stretching, and the eventual breakdown of structural fibers, while contributing to formation of acids.

UV Light: Ultraviolet light has the same effect on paper as does temperature and humidity. Often, these three factors work in concert to hasten the destruction of the structural fibers in paper.

Insects and Rodents: Favorite foods of insects and rodents are the cellulose and wood fibers found in paper. Coincidentally, most insects thrive in an environment that includes moderate temperature and humidity conditions, an absence of light and lack of disturbance. This can make your advertising pieces the main course at a rodent or insect banquet!

Atmospheric Pollutants: We've all heard of the effect of acid rain on frees. Your advertising pieces face those same conditions!

Improper Handling and Storage: Picking up your advertising pieces with your hands allows the transfer of body oils and contaminants which accelerate the destruction of the piece. Additionally, storing your pieces improperly again hastens their destruction.

Handle and store your pieces to afford maximum protection: Use special archive storage supplies. Archival storage materials suppliers will generally be listed in the telephone book. In addition, here are some general rules to follow to protect your collection from further damage.

• When handling archival pieces, always use cotton, lintless gloves to prevent leaving fingerprints.
• Store like size and weight items in one box or folder. Differences in bulk and weight create potential physical damage.
• Separate poor quality paper items from those that are of higher quality. Acid migrates from paper of inferior quality to that of better quality.
• Use acid-free tissue (alkaline neutral) between each piece for individual protection.
• All damaging mechanical fasteners, such as paper clips, staples and pins should be carefully removed and replaced, only if absolutely needed, with non-rusting ones.
• Reduce or eliminate exposure to ultraviolet light.
• Store the pieces in a box or folder that is made from pH neutral material.
• Store your box or folder in a room with a temperature no higher that 70 degrees with a relative humidity of 30-50%. The cooler and the closer to moderate humidity (40-45% RH) the better for your collection.
• The room temperature should not vary by more than 5 degrees while the relative humidity should not vary by more that 3%.
• Remove any dust and debris as this is food for insects.

I hope that I have been able to provide some insight on the effect of elements on and how to protect your collection of advertising pieces or other historical (paper) memorabilia from further deterioration.

Submitted by Chet Wojcik - MAFFI VP Archives