Taking proper care of paper is essential for preserving its condition and longevity, especially for valuable documents, artwork, or photographs. The key involves controlling the environment and using appropriate materials.
Essential Steps for Paper Preservation
Protecting paper objects boils down to controlling the conditions they are stored in and the materials they come into contact with. Following a few fundamental guidelines can prevent common forms of damage like fading, yellowing, and brittleness.
Proper Storage Environment
The environment where paper is stored significantly impacts its lifespan. According to preservation guidelines, you should:
- Store paper objects in a cool, dry, and dark space.
- Maintain a regular temperature. Temperature fluctuations may cause damage over time, stressing the paper fibers.
- Avoid areas with high humidity like basements or attics, as moisture can lead to mold and mildew.
Finding a location within your home or archive that offers stable, moderate conditions away from external walls is ideal.
Protection from Light
Exposure to light, especially direct sunlight or fluorescent light, is highly damaging to paper.
- Protect paper from too much light.
- Light causes fading of inks and pigments.
- It also creates a chemical reaction that weakens the paper fibers themselves, making the paper brittle over time.
Storing items in darkness is best. If displaying paper objects, use UV-filtering glass or acrylic in frames and avoid hanging them in brightly lit areas or near windows.
Using Acid-Free Materials
The materials that touch your paper can also cause harm if they are acidic. Acidity can migrate into the paper, causing it to yellow and degrade.
- Use acid-free storage boxes, frames, or supports.
- This includes materials like mat boards, backing boards, and protective sleeves.
Look for products labeled "acid-free" or "archival quality." This helps create a buffer zone around the paper, protecting it from environmental acids and those present in non-archival materials.
Summary of Care Practices
To summarize, proper paper care involves a combination of environmental control and using safe materials:
- Location: Choose a cool, dry, dark space with stable temperature.
- Light: Minimize exposure to all light sources, especially UV.
- Materials: Always use acid-free storage and display materials.
By implementing these simple yet crucial steps, you can significantly extend the life of your cherished paper belongings. For more detailed information on archival supplies, consider consulting resources from reputable conservation suppliers or cultural heritage institutions (Learn more about archival supplies).
