How to Preserve Old Magazines

Prevent damage by storing your magazines properly.

Old magazines can take you back to another place in time with the articles, pictures and old ads. Many people collect magazines and keep them as prized possessions and rightfully so. Collecting magazines can be an investment as well as a hobby. To resell or even show off your collection to other collectors, you will need to preserve them so that they do not deteriorate or lose value due to damage.

Things You'll Need

• Acid-free buffer paper
• Polypropylene sleeve protector
• Acid-free backer boards (heavy cardboard stock)
• Archival photo storage box

Instructions

1. Place a sheet of acid-free buffer paper between each important page. If the entire magazine is precious to you, place a sheet between each page. Many collectors want to preserve the ads more than anything else and place the paper only between the pages with ads. It's up to your preference and budget.

2. Slide your magazines into individual polypropylene sleeve protectors and place a backer board behind each, inside the sleeves. The backer board will prevent bending and keep the magazine as supported as possible. The sleeve will keep the magazine free of dust and moisture.

3. Place your protected magazines into a photo archive storage box. These boxes are made with acid-free material and will help prevent deterioration of your magazines.

4. Place your box of magazines in a cool, dry place. A well-ventilated attic or a waterproofed basement will work.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not decrease the value of your magazines by cutting them or trying to clean them with water or chemical cleaners. If your old magazines are dusty, wipe them carefully with a feather duster or soft cloth.

References

• Collecting Memories: Old Magazines