Archival Protection

Merv asked me about laminating. 
I'm no expert but I've had some exposure.
From my experience laminating can serve a useful, protective purpose in preserving
artworks and publications but can also cause long-term damage if not applied
correctly to each situation.

Some things to consider when preserving artworks and publications:


- Use archival-level paper/canvas/board, etc., as the substrate
- Use archival level-media when printing/painting/drawing or writing
- Use archival primers and base coats
- Use archival mediums, varnishes and topcoats
- Use archival-friendly solvents

- Use only archival materials, adhesives, tapes and substrates (board) for mounting
- When using laminates only mount the back of the item (i.e. poster) and not image or written areas
- Only use temperatures recommended for the particular item you are mounting

- Store in archival (typically plastic or glassine) envelopes, folders, sleeves and binders.
- Store between archival tissue sheets and boards in an acid-free (archival protective) container
- Store away from light in a dry, medium to low temp environment

- Long term storage (freezing, vacuum, encapsulation etc.) must be evaluated for each item.
- Store in a pest-free container and environment.
- Use only archival-quality, pest/vermin-resistant storage materials and products.

- Do not tie or tape bundled artworks together. They should be boxed, drawered or shelved instead.
- Bindings will damage (dent, tear) the bundles as the fibers of the artwork/publication weaken over time.
- Bindings will also stain the artwork/publications over time.


I also found a nice publication about the subject.
I remember having read about this subject before.

http://anthropology.si.edu/conservation/lamination/


There's much more information available but I won't get to it until later.