Acid/Oils: Bulk storage for collectibles

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the preservation of carded action figures and concerns regarding the potential damage from acids in cardboard boxes and oils from plastic storage bins. Participants explore methods for testing acidity levels in materials and the safety of various storage options for collectibles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about acids in cardboard boxes damaging collectible cards and seeks a safe method to test for acid levels.
  • Another suggests consulting libraries or antique stores for advice on acid-free storage options and mentions the availability of acid-free paper and boxes.
  • A participant introduces the idea of using a pH pen to test paper acidity, noting that it provides a convenient way to distinguish between acidic and alkaline materials.
  • There is a suggestion to use hard plastic bins for storage, as softer plastics may contain plasticizers that could leak over time.
  • One participant proposes using baking soda to neutralize any acids that may form in storage, drawing a parallel to its use in refrigerators.
  • Another participant shares a link to a home experiment using cabbage to test pH, although they express skepticism about its reliability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for testing acidity or the safest storage materials. Multiple viewpoints regarding the effectiveness of different testing methods and storage solutions remain present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the importance of using acid-free materials but do not provide a definitive method for ensuring that all storage options are safe for collectibles. There is uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of various plastics on stored items.

Who May Find This Useful

Collectors of action figures and other memorabilia, individuals interested in preservation techniques, and those seeking advice on safe storage materials for collectibles.

2112_Entanglement
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Hi this is my first post.

I have a large collection of carded action figures. (A 'carded action figure' is a toy mounted on cardboard by means of a plastic bubble. The toy is sandwiched between the bubble and cardboard).

So, I store my carded action figure collection in generic cardboard boxes. And I am worried about acids from the boxes eating away the collectible cards.

Q1. How can I check for acid levels in the cardboard boxes? I assume that the cardboard boxes are not acid-free. I want to check anyway. There has got to be a backyard chemical 'home brew' that I can wip up SAFELY. You chemical guys are most excellent; however, I do not want to blow my arms off.


I am in the process of converting from carboard boxes to plasic bins (those big cheap suckers from Walmart).

Q2. Is there any residue (oils) that form on (or ooze out of) these types of plastic bins over time?

Q3 & 4 (related to Q2). So, is oil a component of plastic? I noticed that the plastic bins I am finding have an oily feel to them. Is there a way to clean this film off so that the plastic surface is safe for paper/carboard collectibles?


Please help.
 
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You might want to try a well established library or antique store.. I guess they might have some good advice. You might also try a bookstore and ask if they have acid free paper/ boxes, infact I recently bought an acid free archival pen from a regular bookstore :)

How about this link? http://history.pcusa.org/cong/acidpaper.html
General requirements for "acid-free" paper:

made from any cellulose fiber as long as the active acid pulp is eliminated during processing
pH minimum of 8.5 (anything over 7 is alkaline)
a buffer of calcium carbonate at c. 3% to supply alkaline reserves
lignin and sulfur free
25 % cotton or rag for strength (100 % is even better)
The PHS recommends you use acid free paper for your important records. Most good quality bond paper for photocopying or printing from a computer is acid free. You can order acid-free paper and other archival supplies from the following suppliers:
 
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Apparently you can buy a pH pen for just $4 with which paper can be tested..
http://www.askphil.org/ap_salm01.htm

There is an inexpensive method for each collector to test their own album page. A pH pen offers a convenient and portable way to distinguish between acidic and alkaline paper, however the pen will not give the exact pH. Abbey Newsletter, 7105 Geneva Drive, Austin, TX 78723 will supply stamp collectors with their pen for $4.00 each, postpaid. A simple instruction sheet is included.

More accurately would probably be a pH strip, explained in the following link:
http://www.librarypreservation.org/preservation/paper1.htm
I just wonder where you would be able to get some.. you might be able to find them at your local pharmacy..!? Maybe also in your home supply store, pH tests are available for pools.

Here a home brew experiment with cabbage.. the good news: the experiment is edible (as testified in the link :P) bad news: I don't think it is really going to give you good information. Another link with cabbage water: http://www.miamisci.org/ph/lpexcite2.html

I hope that helps you along :-p
 
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On the plastics: I would be carefull with those. If you are going to use a plastic box, use one made of 'hard' plastic. The softer, less breakable type of plastic contains a lot of plasticides which can leak out over time!
 
You could just throw a box of baking soda into neutralize any of the acids formed.

Much like you do in your refridgerator.
 
On baking soda, refrigerators and acids :wink:
http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mbakings.html