Paper Preservation Tips...and Photograph's too!Let's make sure that you protect those valuable paper keepsakes! And, don't foget about your photograph's! (scroll down the page!)
With proper paper preservation, your precious, paper memories, (and Photo's) should last a long time.
Need we say it? Don't put those paper collectibles away just yet! You want to keep them in decent shape, don't you? Here are some basic tips to help you with this process, before you move on to paper storage.
Clean Up Time...How about we start by tidying up a little bit? Take a close look at the condition of each piece and decide which ones need proper paper preservation. Hopefully, many of your paper items are in good shape.
First, you want to remove all dust, dirt, and other foreign objects from your paper goods. For example, old tape, paper clips, and staples will continue to destroy that paper, if left unchecked! Be especially careful if you are trying to remove old tape. Often, this dried tape will simply pull away from the paper, but use caution and your better judgement when doing so! Also, you may have some old documents that have been framed. Unless, they were framed by a professional, using archival materials, you are better off removing the paper from the frame before storing it. Old frames, poor matting or mounts, and cheap glass are all things that can ruin that paper document! Got Bugs?Was that box of paper treasures sitting on the floor of your garage? If so, you probably have some bugs in there somewhere! Termites, cockroaches, and even those cute little silverfish, can reek havic on paper goods. That's not good for paper preservation!Get rid of them, if possible! This can be a tedious task and quite time consuming, but nevertheless, necessary! Examine each piece from your box carefully. These little guys can be hard to find sometimes, so look closely! Are you sure you got them all? If you are still in doubt, then you need to seriously consider storing these paper items separately from other uncontaminated items. Mildew and Damp Paper ItemsAll too often, mildew is a common problem with paper preservation and paper goods that were stored inncorrectly. And, it probably wasn't even you who did it! So what can you do?There are a few things that you can try. If the paper is damp, (not soaked to the bone) try using a normal hair dryer on a low heat setting. If you are trying to dry out a book, this may take some patience on your part. However a few damp pages of paper will quickly dry with a little cool airflow. That mildew smell is another story! Sometimes, it is nearly impossible to get rid of. However, you might try this! Cat litter! Makes sense doesn't it? Fill up a box of cat litter and tuck your paper item somewhere down in there. Leave it there for one night as a test, longer if needed. Depending on the severity of your smell, cat litter may just do the trick!
Is Everybody Clean? Now, It's Time To Store Them!Once you are satisfied that your paper collection is clean, dry, and free of bugs, then it's time to put them away...properly! But, instead of having you continue to scroll down this page, we're going to start a new one for you...so bookmark it!Click on paper storage and follow some basic steps on how to properly store your paper goods!
Here's a good idea! Buy some standard size backer boards ahead of time, such as the pictured comic book dividers. There are 7.5" x 11", acid-free, and archival safe to use for your collection! C'mon! You've come this far! Let's finish it off!
Don't Forget Those Photo's - Go Digital!Most people have several photo album sitting around the house!Most people have several photo albums sitting around the house...collecting DUST! Uh-huh! We thought so...
Why not preserve those photo's into digital images? Then you can use them in a variety of ways, such as:
Look, the point here is this. Once you transfer those photo's (and tapes) to digital, you can use them in a variety of ways! And it's fun to do! If you decide to keep your photo's in an album, at least consider buying a newer album, with acid-free pages and photo mounts. Though this won't reverse any prior damage, it should help prevent further, additional damage. Perhaps, while you are shuffling your photo's around, you could put together a scrapbook, and surprise a friend! Random Notes...We do not claim to be experts at restoring damaged paper goods from severe mildew, water damage, bugs, or other damage problems. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you contact a professional if you have a serious damage issue before you attempt any repair...especially, if the item is valuable! Our Advice?
(NOTE! Make sure to read this article near the bottom of the page. Mary Lynn Ritzenthaler's Preservation of Archival Records: Holdings Maintenance at the National Archives. Fantastic information!) Also, we have searched through many catalogs and websites for related paper preservation supplies. Well. we found one such company that is surely to cover all of your needs.
Universityproducts is sure to have what you need...from professionals to folks who just want to preserve a simple memory...like us! Or, you can try the Paper Preservation Department at any local university. Ask for the Preservation Officer. Go to the experts!
What's this, you ask? Click it! It's safe and pretty cool! But first, bookmark this page and come back soon! Or, visit them here at Animoto
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