Storing pulps in mylar
Gene Zombolas
In article <4t5n3m$7...@news-f.iadfw.net> rc...@airmail.net (Rogers Cadenhead) writes:
>I've got a handful of pulps, and I'd like to find Mylar or poly bags
>to store them in. Is there a pulp size for these?
>
>Rogers
>
>
I store all my pulps in mylar. I use Bill Cole's mylites (#161) with
a heavy, acid-free backing board. I tape the bags closed using
Scotch 811 removable tape. Do not use standard magic tape on mylar.
The glue is too strong and after a short time it cannot be removed
with damaging the bag.
I'd recommend against using mylar Snugs. Besides being expensive,
the edges can act like a razor on the pulp overhangs. I've known
people to serious damage the front cover of a pulp by catching
part of the cover when slipping it into the snug.
Poly bags are okay for short term storage. I still believe the chemicals
in the bags can be harmful to book over a long period of time. Also,
mylites are much clearer than poly bags.
I hope this helps.
-Gene Zombolas
zomb...@netcom.com
Chris Volk/Shep Iiams
A year or so ago in the CompuServe COLLECTibles Forum section 9: Book
Sales/Wants, a professional archivist claimed that use of any non
breathable unbuffered container is a far more important problem than
what kind of container is used (unless the container is sufficiently
buffered). Apparently the build up of acidic vapors, a natural by
product of aging pulp paper, causes more rapid embrittlement and overall
browning than an ideal open environment. I am speaking here of "overall
browning", which is not the same as "edge browning". "Edge browning" can
be caused by 2 very different sources, sunning or humidity. An ideal
environment is a constant 55 to 65 deg F with 45% relative humidity, if
I recall correctly.
The proper method of sealed storage is to include some sort of alkaline
buffering. Unfortunately the cost and effort of replacing thousands of
buffered inserts in sealed plastic bags every year or two is beyond my
means and I feel, the value of most of my collection. (mostly SF
digests)
In partial recognition of this, I have stopped taping bags closed that
are used to store the more delicate pulps and am cutting the bags flush
at the top edge so the vapors can dissipate. I am fortunate to live in a
fairly benign humidity environment here in Sacramento California, so my
main defense is to just not bag anything that is competent enough to
stand on the shelf, and to be very careful shelving and unshelving it. I
suppose some sort of light slippery dividers (like buffered boards? (g))
between the unsheathed issues would reduce the inevitable shelf wear.
Any other comments, suggestions or discussion on this subject will be
most appreciated.
Regards,
Shep Iiams
--
-----------------------------
vib...@ns.net or 7114...@compuserve.com.
Catalog "VolkIiam.cat" at the CompuServe Book and Magazine page:
http://www.massmedia.com/~mikeb/cissale.html
Showing at The Book Collector in Sacramento, CA
Christine Volk - Specializing in modern 1st editions including
mysteries,
women authors, poetry, African American,and children¹s books
(916)-392-0498
Shep Iiams - Specializing in Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror
(916)-391-8448
-----------------------------
Gene Zombolas
In article <31F6CF...@ns.net> Chris Volk/Shep Iiams <vib...@ns.net> writes:
>
>A year or so ago in the CompuServe COLLECTibles Forum section 9: Book
>Sales/Wants, a professional archivist claimed that use of any non
>breathable unbuffered container is a far more important problem than
>what kind of container is used (unless the container is sufficiently
>buffered). Apparently the build up of acidic vapors, a natural by
>product of aging pulp paper, causes more rapid embrittlement and overall
>browning than an ideal open environment. I am speaking here of "overall
>browning", which is not the same as "edge browning". "Edge browning" can
>be caused by 2 very different sources, sunning or humidity. An ideal
>environment is a constant 55 to 65 deg F with 45% relative humidity, if
>I recall correctly.
>
>are used to store the more delicate pulps and am cutting the bags flush
>at the top edge so the vapors can dissipate.
>
Shep. Thanks for the info. Do you remember how big the openning
should be? I happen to live in a dusty environment and like the
protection of fold-over flap. I use backing boards which are about
1/8" taller than the bag. When the flap is closed, there are still
small holes on both sides so the bag may breathe. Another trick
I learned from someone who lived in a humid climate is to clip one
or both of the bottom corners of the bag. So is both cases, the
bag is not completely sealed.
-Gene Zombolas
zomb...@netcom.com
Todd Beard
I have 2 Shadow pulps for sale:
The Sealed Box 12-1-37
The Fifth Napoleon 2-1-38
E-mail me for the particulars if you're interested.
RWmHarvey
Hi, Todd:
Gimmee the 411 on those Shadow pulps
Chris Volk/Shep Iiams
Gene Zombolas wrote:
>
> Shep. Thanks for the info. Do you remember how big the openning
> should be? I happen to live in a dusty environment and like the
> protection of fold-over flap. I use backing boards which are about
> 1/8" taller than the bag. When the flap is closed, there are still
> small holes on both sides so the bag may breathe. Another trick
> I learned from someone who lived in a humid climate is to clip one
> or both of the bottom corners of the bag. So is both cases, the
> bag is not completely sealed.
>
> -Gene Zombolas
> zomb...@netcom.com
Sorry, the archivest did not recommend using bags without a buffering
material at all, although I still do. If you pay for backing boards
anyway, you may find properly buffered backing boards are not too much
more expensive. I think your idea of cutting off the bag corners is a
good one though because it still offers some protection for aging pulps.
Shep
Rick Hall
I also use Bill Cole's Mylites #161 (Silver/Golden). But if you have pulps
that are thicker than average, you should have some #162 (Super Golden).
Argosy, Shadow, 10 Detective Aces etc fit well in 161s but the bulky ones
might be too snug. Stock up on 161s, but a few 162s will come in handy.
Rick Ha...@aol.com
Rodger Wright
Humm.... I thouhgt I was doing the right things by storing my old Astounding
mags in 'zip lock' bags. Can anyone provide a source for buffered backing
boards and the envelopes referred to? In the USA? In Australia?
Thanks
Rodger Wright