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Storage Materials to AVOID
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Recommended Storage
Materials
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Cellophane tape dries out & the
adhesive stains
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Special adhesives that are based on methyl
cellulose or wheat or rice starch are water soluble
and non-toxic
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Cotton wool can snag on rough textures and
is hard to remove
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Cotton fabrics & threads may be
used-but wash first to remove sizing
chemicals.
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Masking tape contains an adhesive that is
very hard to remove and is acidic
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Polyester batting can be used for all sorts
of padding projects- especially good with
textiles.
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Metal paper clips rust and stain
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Plastic paper clips do not rust or stain,
but can easily distort paper (use with
care)
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Paper products must be checked- many
cardboards, cigar boxes, picture mats are highly
acidic-overtime this will cause yellowing and
embrittlement
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Acid-free paper products protect objects.
Comes in buffered and unbuffered- unbuffered has a
neutral pH and is used for housing photos,
textiles. Buffered is good for storing paper
because it absorbs the acids paper can
emit.
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Plastics (plastic wrap, dry-cleaning bags)
contain chlorinated compounds and plasticizers that
can harm an object. Plastic wrap can mold or mildew
a material if airtight.
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Polypropylene bags come in many sizes and
are good for containing small objects. They should
be well ventilated to prevent
condensation.
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*Swain, Lynn.
“Collections Management: Storage.” In The
New Museum Registration Methods, edited by R.A.
Buck and J.A. Gilmore. Washington, DC: American
Association of Museums, 1998.
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