Your favorite comic books are priceless – no matter what the Comic Book Price Guide might say – and storing them properly is essential. Once you secure a unit at a self-storage in Richmond, it’s time to take the next steps to protect your most precious assets. Below are five ways to keep your prizes in pristine condition.
1. Bag ‘Em. Unless you’re reading it, a comic book should be bagged at all times. There is a wide range of bags on the market, but the best choice is one that fits snuggly to your comic book and that’s made of acid- free Mylar D. Mylar D is made specifically for archiving, but it can come at a hefty price. If it’s not in your budget, then use a polypropylene or a polyethylene bag but keep in mind that they’ll need to be replaced every 2 to 3 years.
2. Board ‘Em. Using a board behind your comic helps prevent the spine from being damaged and the pages from being wrinkled. However, regular cardboard has an acidic component, which will damage the comics. Comic backing boards contain specific additives that protect against damage.
3. Stack ‘Em Up. The best choice is to stack the comics vertically. They should be placed in storage boxes that are waterproof and acid-free. Plastic is preferable. These types of boxes will keep the comics flat and the spines tight and will keep the outside environmental factors from damaging your comics. Bookshelves are a bad choice because the comics typically won’t fit properly, and you run the risk of crushing or bending your comics.
4. Keep ‘Em Dark and Cool. Where you store your comics is as important as how you store them. They need to be away from direct light, specifically fluorescent light or sunlight, because both contain high levels of UV radiation. High temperatures can encourage fungus and mold. Humidity can warp the comics and ruin them. Adding some silica gel to the storage boxes and storing them in climate-controlled units at a self-storage in Richmond facility is your best bet for protecting them.
5. Label ‘Em. If there’s any OCD hiding in you, now is the time to let it out. Each box should be labeled, and a spreadsheet should be created. Even if you only have one box now, you’ll be adding to your collection, and as you do, you want to keep it simple to find your favorite books when you need them.
If you’re serious about keeping your comic books safe, then the above tips can help you do just that.
R. L. Youssef is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow her @RLYoussef.