How do you store your autographs?

[GraphCollector]

Here are some tips that will help to protect your collection from irreversable damage:

- Keep your collection in the dark in a cool dry place. Heat and humidity contribute to the destruction of paper, especially paper containing acid from wood pulp. Light fades many inks (especially felt-tip) and browns the paper.

- Do not store autographs in a fireproof safe. The humidity level in the safe is high in order to protect documents in a fire. Unfortunatelly that level is too high, and it will eventually damage your autographs.

- Store autographs only in Mylar “D” polyester or cellulose acetate folders, and put them in an archival acid-free box. Never use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) folders. They can be identified by their strong “plastic” odor. Use only acid-free paper insert; the black paper inserts included with some sheet protectors are highly acidic and will destroy your autographs.

- Avoid repairing paper will cellophane (“Scotch”) or masking tape. The adhesive will damage and eventually destroy the paper. If a repair is necessary, use only archival paper mending tissue. Better yet, seek expert help

- Remove paper clips and staples from multipage documents, because they cause rust stains.

- You can usually remove old paper documents glued down to album pages by soaking them in lukewarm water, but don’t use this method on vellum or parchment documents, documents written in aniline ink, or modern documents

- Avoid framing valuable autographs. But if you insists on framing an autograph, use only acid-free matting materials and UF3 Plexiglas or museum glass. The autograph should never be pasted or taped down in any way. Mylar “D” or other acid-free mounting corners should be used to keep the item from shifting in the frame

- Display them away from direct sunlight, fluorescent lighting, and sources of heat (such as radiators)

Best,
Stephan

Absolutely spot on! Great advice, thanks for posting, enjoyable read.

[LARams]

Just started storing my collection that I begun. I went on Amazon to buy 8.5"x11" acid free and archival safe sheet protectors as well as Avery 4"x6" acid free sleeves that fit into a three ring binder.

[AnonymousAutographs,]

Hello i use cheap frames from dollar stores, but get acid free materials to back the picture. It's cheap, easy and makes your home look great. The only downside is the room (I've been collecting since April and have about 120 autographs) they take up. I also put them in an inexpensive photo album until I get frames for them. The best thing to protect them is to not let anyone handle them, especially children. My niece rubbed some of an autograph on a drumstick that I got and I almost freaked, but luckily the artist agreed to send me another.

[BeckettMckeone101]

I send out bookplates that I stick inside books. I collect military history autographs and a lot of the people have books.

[LARams]

Hello i use cheap frames from dollar stores, but get acid free materials to back the picture. It's cheap, easy and makes your home look great. The only downside is the room (I've been collecting since April and have about 120 autographs) they take up. I also put them in an inexpensive photo album until I get frames for them. The best thing to protect them is to not let anyone handle them, especially children. My niece rubbed some of an autograph on a drumstick that I got and I almost freaked, but luckily the artist agreed to send me another.

One thing to keep in mind is that light will fade your autographs that you put up. So I think this is a cool idea for autographs with lower values.

[sigsigsignify]

Just started my collection a couple months back. I just store my autographs in plastic pockets inside a trapper keeper I still have from school. Probably not the BEST way to make them last, but I'll never be selling them anyway, it's just a fun hobby.

[Annika2007]

This is how I store my autographs:

[harisson8]

This is how I store my autographs:

Does the autograph not "stick" to the plastic? Is it easy to remove if you need it? How do you keep small autographs right in the center?
Nice collection! Congratulations!

[Hartster]

I have a similar system, binder with sheet protectors. They don't stick to the plastic if it's archival and if it's not a paint pen. I always put a slip of paper over the paint signatures - can't see them, but prevents sticking to the plastic. I also use photo corners mounting a 5x7 onto an 8-1/2x11 backer card.

[Annika2007]

Hi Harisson8,

Thanks, these pictures are just some examples. I like my Villeneuve signature the most. I got it in person and seeing Jacgues in the Netherlands is a very rare opportunity. I did not expected it, but he really is a nice guy. Most Dutch racing fan don’t like him because he is not always very positive about Max verstappen

At the moment the autographs do not stick at all. I use acid free plastic sheets. The ones made with markers don’t stick anyway. But it is a good idea indeed to cover your paint signatures. I am going to do this myself today