Using Archival Supplies For Preservation: The Do’s & Don'ts Of It
Preserving your documents, photographs, and artefacts requires more than just storing them in a cool, dry place. With the use of quality archival supplies, you can protect them from deterioration over time.
We at Dutco Tennant LLC offer premium quality archival supply and even library products to keep your valuables preserved. We have a wide collection of products to choose from.
However, simply using the right supplies isn't enough. You also need to know how to use them properly. In this blog post, we'll discuss the dos and don'ts of using archival supplies for preservation.
Dos
Well even if you get the right archival products, you can reap the benefits of them when you use them suitably. Believe it or not, keeping the books, photos and other items in good condition isn’t as easy as it seems to be. Some of the “Dos”, you need to keep in mind and follow are:
Use acid-free materials: Acidic materials can damage your documents over time. Always use acid-free paper, folders, and boxes when storing your items. Our archival supplies from Gaylord Archival are acid-free, making them a preferred choice to store the valuables.
Use polyester film: Polyester film is a great way to protect your documents from dirt, dust, and moisture. It's transparent, so you can easily see what's inside, and it won't stick to your documents.
Handle items with care: When handling your documents, use clean, dry hands, and be gentle. Avoid touching the text or images directly, as oils from your skin can cause damage.
Use gloves: For particularly delicate items, or if you are handling multiple items, consider wearing gloves to protect them from oils and dirt on your hands.
Label items correctly: Label all of your storage boxes and folders with the correct information, including the date, title, and any relevant keywords. This will make it easier to find the item later.
Don'ts
Now that you know what things you must do to keep your archives safe and in good condition, here are some things which you must avoid doing.
Use PVC plastics: PVC plastics can release harmful chemicals that can damage your documents over time. Avoid using any plastics that contain PVC. Also, using such plastic material will stick to the document or photographs, messing with the content.
Use paperclips, staples, or rubber bands: These items can damage your documents over time. Instead, use plastic clips or acid-free twine to keep your documents together. We are also known as the archival boxes supplier UAE, which eliminates the need to use any of these items to store the valuables.
Store items in direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause fading and discoloration, so always store your items in a cool, dark place.
Use adhesive tape: Adhesive tape can damage your documents over time, and can leave a sticky residue that's difficult to remove. Instead, use acid-free glue or non-adhesive tape to repair any tears or damage.
Overstuff storage boxes: Overstuffing storage boxes can cause damage to your items, as well as make them difficult to retrieve. Use boxes that are the right size for your items, and avoid packing them too tightly. We at Dutco Tennant LLC have library archival products of different sizes to meet diverse archive needs.
To sum things up, using archival supplies is essential for preserving your documents, photographs, and artefacts. But it's important to use them correctly. By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure that your items will be protected for years to come.