Documentation preservation opinions

[Brad H.]

Guys,
This is just an opinion question. Maybe some of you have experienced this and I just wanted some thoughts on it. My Order Copy (Tank Sheet) is really decayed. You can still read it but it's very old, brown and tattered. I'm afraid it will just come apart any time. I was thinking of having it laminated. Does that somehow destroy it's value or validity? Seems to make sense to me but it could be a real no-no as far as I know. I appreciate any thoughts on this kind of thing you may have.
Thanks as always,
Brad

[Michael J.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Mine from my '67 is also pretty old and tattered. But, I was told by some dealers not to laminate it. So, I just got a plastic sleeve and put it in, sealing up the end with scotch tape.

[Leif A.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Brad,
Mine came to me laminated but I think I'm OK and here's why. The lamination process that he used, and that I have used in the past at FedEx office, does NOT stick to the paper. The only thing that sticks together is the laminating material on the outer edges making a nice, air tight package for your valuable docs...IMHO.

[Paul J.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Mine from my '67 is also pretty old and tattered. But, I was told by some dealers not to laminate it. So, I just got a plastic sleeve and put it in, sealing up the end with scotch tape.

I've seen people use this method to keep documents that need to be closely examined from time to time. The sleeve allows someone to remove the document to look at it. If you laminate it then you can't look at the paper closely. I personally don't see a problem with laminating it, but it may make it impossible to determine authenticity. One thing that I have done in the past is to use rubber cement or a glue stick to stick a document to a piece of paper as a backer sheet to keep all it together. Obviously you don't want to do this with a document that has writing on the back or one that has a high value.

[Paul O.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Brad

This has been discussed before. If you laminate paper you will have zero options in the future. 10 or 15 years ago I had my gas tank build sheet conserved by a paper restoration and preservation company. I used my local history museum to locate this company. The museum uses this company for all the paper preservation. They cleaned the paper and used various solutions to preserve it then it was placed is a special pouch with clear Mylar to view it. That would be my recommendation.

[Michael G.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Brad, The first thing is to take many Hi-quality digital photos that will preserve what you have. You can do many enhancements with these and work towards creating the best possible copy. Then preserve the original.

[Alan S.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Hi Brad,
I agree with Paul that laminating your document isn't too good an idea.
I went to a reputable framing shop and asked for information on buying archival plastic sleeves to keep the tank sheet and window sticker in.
They really aren't much $ at all.
The documents are just loose in the sleeve but that hasn't seemed to be a problem. The sleeve holds them firmly enough so they don't slide out if I'm looking at them.
They'll soon be in the sleeves for 20 years and don't seem to be degrading at all. They are kept in a binder so light isn't an issue. I'd think that could be, so be careful about light too.
Regards,
Alan

[Brad H.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. I'll look into some better preservation options as you recommended. Glad I asked before I laminated. No turning back after that!
Appreciate it!
Brad

[Gary C.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Paper document storage sleeves and cardboard backing should be "acid free". Acid free sleeves and backing cardboard are available and easily found at comic book stores or at archival document supply

Gary
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[Brad H.]

Re: Documentation preservation opinions

Thanks Gary, I'll make sure of that'
Brad