What exactly do you find when you search for archival supplies? Nearly every museum and library needs long-lasting archival materials to safely store and exhibit objects. A quick Google search for “archival materials” will reveal a seemingly endless list of sites offering supplies that are “acid free” or “museum quality” or “archival safe.” However, when it comes to archival supplies one must remember caveat emptor—let the buyer beware! Many items that are advertised as “acid free” or “archival” are far from being safe for a library or museum, and might possibly damage objects in a collection.
For example, “acid free foam board” consists of a foam core covered in acid-free paper. Because the foam is covered in an acid-free material, companies will claim it is a perfect material to use in conservation framing. However, while the acid-free paper does not pose a problem, the foam edges of the board will continually off-gas, exposing objects to additional chemicals that can speed degradation. Thus, “acid free foam board” is far from being a true archival material.
Fortunately, there are resources available that describe which archival materials are effective. The “Conserve-O-Gram” leaflets published on the National Park Service website include reliable information on archival materials. Conserve-O-Gram 4/9 describes buffered and unbuffered storage materials, and 18/2 describes safe plastics and fabrics to use for exhibit and storage.
In general, be skeptical of “archival” advertising and marketing, and research your options before purchasing archival materials for your museum, library, or home collection.
