Handling

• Always have clean hands when handling objects. Oils and acids from our hands can damage materials whether it be silver, ceramic, metal, paper, or wood.

Labeling

• When labeling photographs, do not use ink; always use soft pencil on the back side of the photo.

Lighting

• Try to keep your objects away from direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
• If objects are under a 150 watt or more light, keep at least four feet away.
• Move objects from time to time so they are not always exposed to light.

Storage

• Don't store material in basements, attics, garages, or other areas which are subjected to extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Be careful not to have special oil paintings or pictures or special objects in direct line of air conditioning and heating vents.

Acid-free

• If possible, encapsulate documents with polyester mylar or pholypropylene. 8 1/2" x 11" sleeves for 3-ring binders are avilable at a reasonable price at most local stationery stores. Discard the black paper accompanying each sleeve as it is acidic and will damage your document.
• Acid free boxes and file folders are not readily available at stationery stores and must be ordered via companies which specialize in archival conservation supplies. Items such as acid free folders, boxes, photograph and negitive sleeves, and acid free paper can be ordered to stabilize your documents and photgraphs.
• When framing or matting special works of art, always request acid-free (i.e. Bainbridge Alphamat Board) whether it be for water colors, photographs, lithographs, serigraphs and other medium. This may cost more, but your valuable art will last longer.

Remember when you can do nothing else, keep your materials cool and dry, keep them clean, and keep them in the dark.

For any further questions, please contact us here at SAMCC, we're here to help you preserve your treasures!