Best Archival Sleeves

[Nagael]

Good Morning EB,

Can anyone provide the best archival sleeve option that does not require a minimum purchase of 100 sleeves? I am looking for archival sleeves for 18x24 prints, 13x19 and 12x 16 prints. I have found a few good options, but the base quantity requirement is more than I need. Thanks in advance!!!

[65PosterCowboy]

I like Baroque portfolios but ive seen couple through amazon. Lemme see if I can find some other brands for preservation and acid free.

[dave3412]

This is just my personal oipinion but if it is for long-term preservation I recommend that you use materials that are aligned with archival materias/methods recognized by the Library of Congress.
As such,for backing boards I use acid-free, lignin-free and pH buffered boards. I then insert the backed print into a Mylinex sleeve; there are several configurations available (1 open end topload, or 2 sided open or 3 side open. I personally like the 3 side open sleeve because it minimizes risk of edge or corner damage when you inserting or rmeoving the backed print from it. Bgas Unlimited has these materials and instructional infromation on their site.

[DarkenedShrine]

Bags Unlimited has these materials and instructional infromation on their site.

Best site hands down ^

[jojobadass]

I don't recommend using portfolios as your prints will get jacked up the more you look at them. The prints can slide around and you can also damage the edges w/ your fingers flipping the flimsy pages.

backer boards are a pain in the ass. I don't recommend them unless you're selling prints in person.

get mylar sleeves and store them in a flat file or in a box under your bed......they're going to protect your prints the best if that's what you're going for. Negatives - mylar is really heavy and you should not store foils in them.

[jojobadass]

I had a DM on the subject, so I thought I would post more info:


It's all personal preference......but, we have bought a lot of collections so I see the good/bad in most storage methods. A portfolio is better than nothing, but I wouldn't really recommend them.

I like the way that 4-mil polyester mylar creates a static barrier that holds the print in place within the mylar. You can literally drop the mylar on its edge or corner and the print will barely move if at all. The mylar will roll and not bend, again protecting the print within without any backer needed. I recommend buying them slightly oversized to keep the edges of the print away from the edges of the mylar.

Foils -
As far as storing foil prints are concerned - we have noticed that mylar and/or the static within......especially when under pressure will actually lift the ink off of foil prints. I have seen mylar with a perfect positive image of the print within completely adhered to the inside of the mylar sleeve. Mylar is very heavy and stacking it may contribute to this happening.

I cannot speak of the thin mylar material shipped w/ backer boards (like Amy Sol, Josh Keyes, or Kawasaki for reference) causing any damage to foil prints. I would think that material would be less problematic for storing foils, but I don't know. Poly bags and foils....don't know either; but again, I would keep any eye on it.


All that said this is the product I do like Bags Unlimited 4-Mil Polyester Mylar - No flap for long term storage of valuable silkscreen prints printed on paper. Other people sell similar products, but I found they were the cheapest source back in the day.

[Codeblue]

We as in the royal we?

[jojobadass]

Yes

Isn't admin electrachrome an art archivist by trade? I know somebody here works for a museum or something.

[Codeblue]

Dats Chr1s. Yer getting forgetful in your old age.

P.S. Don't think I've ever seen such a long post from you as the one above. You got the talk to text going or what.