Thanks for all the direction. I spent a good deal of time sifting through threads old and new and gathered and condensed information I found useful from the fantastic collectors here who shared their practical knowledge. I am listing it here as it might be a good starting point for the next new collector. It should save them time following dead links at the minimum. This is the common advice I pulled from multiple threads. Don't consider this list the be all end all on how to store and preserve your collection. Just a good start hopefully!
GENERAL BAG SIZE GUIDELINES:
- Mylar preferred in all instances. Polypropylene bags will deteriorate in 3-5 years and will need to be replaced.
- Regular comic bags (Traveler and OD&D)
- Silver Age comic bags (Wizard’s Spell Compendium)
- Thick Magazine sized bags (Modules and most accessory books) 8 7/8” x 11” is what you want.
- Sheet Music sized bags (Hardcover and large softcover books and thin box sets)
- Treasury sized bags (Small Box sets – Basic, Expert, and Spelljammer)
- Life Magazine sized bags (Mid – sized Box sets – Council of Wyrms, Hellbound, Return to Tomb of Horrors, Nights Below)
- Maybe a ziplock bag for large – sized Box sets like Menzoberranzan and Planes of Conflict & Law)
- Suggest bagging and boarding all modules and magazines at a minimum. Some board HCs as well.
Calcium buffered archival backing boards. Shiny side should be facing the product. That is the treated side and will absorb acid.
A suggestion to stuff box sets with large bubble wrap to prevent the lid from cupping.
Wood Grain Box Storage: Clear Lid Boxes with Clear Case
uline.com/Product/Detail/S-10578/Retail ... -5-3-8-x-1 Otherwise store flat to avoid shelf wear, maybe bag the books separately with acid-free boards.
Book Storage Bags but not Mylar -
https://www.bcwsupplies.com/10x13-book-bagsLONG TERM STORAGE:
STERILITE 32qt gasket boxes. Have larger sizes. Some have groves to hold hanging file folders which you can use to hold 4 or 5 modules each. Can line boxes with cardboard as these boxes have a ridge that runs along the bottom. This would prevent damage of stored materials.
The 66 qt / 16.5 gallon STERILITE box holds hardcovers upright. Goes on sales at Target for $5.99 at times.
target.com/p/sterilite-66qt-clearview-l ... nk=sametabStore books by standing them up in the box or tote. Do not store spine up or down. It can shift the text block.
This Storex Portable File Storage box holds 40 modules, stackable, keeps light out.
amazon.com/Storex-File-Storage-Transluc ... amp;sr=8-8Box set storage (about 3 can fit in these): Gaylord Archival Flip-top Document Case
gaylord.com/Preservation/Document-Prese ... p/HYB02293SUPPLIERS OF BAGS, BOARDS, OR STORAGE BOXES:
Bags Unlimited:
https://www.bagsunlimited.com/Ultra Pro:
https://ultrapro.com/BCW:
https://www.bcwsupplies.com/EGerber:
https://www.egerber.com/Bill Cole Enterprises:
https://bcemylar.com/Light Impressions:
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com/archival-boxes/Container Store:
https://www.containerstore.com/welcome.htmClear Bags:
https://www.clearbags.com/ - 16 ¼” x 20 1/16” + flap, Crystal Clear Bags [B16S]; 17 13/16” x 32 3/8” Premium Protective Closure Bags [PEC4080]. Use these for larger box sets.