A Storage Question

at this point I know this is a low level type question but I have been curious for a bit now....

if setting up custom albums utilizing sheet protectors over hinged self printed sheets, could one use acid free printing paper? not card stock (though for me this is preferred) but typical 20lb printing paper? I was asked this and could not give a solid argument against its use as long as those top loading page covers where also being used....

thoughts? just wan to give a clear answer other than NO use card stock lol

I wouldn't use anything other than card stock myself. Regular paper is too flimsy, it'll bend and destroy the stamps over time. All of my printed pages are on acid-free 67-lb stock, it's not that expensive (250 sheets for $13 at Staples).

I don't see why you couldn't do this if you really want to.

There will be one issue I suspect you will have to contend with --- since 20 lb paper is so thin, even a damp hinge will cause a slight "pucker" in the paper. If you use mounts, they will definitely wrinkle the paper.

KirkS

Since you will be using sheet protectors I don't see a reason as to not use 20lb acid free paper. As long as the sheet protectors are also archival nonPVC plastic. The only problem is if you handle the pages themselves often they could tear or bend easily under the weight of the stamps. I say do what makes you happy and within your budget.

i dont want to I was asked by my kid who wanted to make the pages a project at school lol.... I see your point and had not even considered this issue!! thank you so much! I will make my recommendation for card stock a bit.. ummm ... stronger lol .. like I will just go out and buy her some lol

you all rock by the way LOL we all kinda posted about the same time with similar views lol

If I understand correctly (need coffee at this time) you are asking if, when you are hinging the stamps to the page (of whatever construction) and also using a plastic sheet protector over the whole page, then is using 20 LB paper OK?

I would say it is your album.

BUT . . .

Acid free is to be preferred in whatever grade paper or card-stock you do use. Acid free and lignin free also.

Whatever the stamps come into contact with should be (if possible) not harmful to the stamps. Tapes, inks, glues (old photo albums), acid containing substances, PVC containing plastic.

Even some plastic mounts from years ago with the split backs, allowing the glues to touch the stamp if slobbered upon enough.

A heavier weight paper is usually preferred to mount stamps on as the lighter weight paper will buckle and deform with multiple saliva / hinge contact (although not too much). The stamp albums you buy, like Harris and others have slightly heavier weight paper.

People printing their own album pages use up to 66 LB weight paper. This creates a nice solid, non bending / folding / creasing background to display the stamps upon.

You can go ahead and try it, whatever you are thinking, but with long-term storage (20 years plus) something that acts nice and looks nice and even feels nice will give you more enjoyment as the years pass.

I used to have a Harris Statesman album and would fill up the pages on both sides and thought it was the greatest thing going. I did not have any expensive stamps (5c - 10c) (oh maybe a couple) and hinged away like a happy person, and I thought that this was good enough for me at the time. I used the quadrilled blank pages to add on to countries and themes.

Plastic pages, plastic mounts, page protectors, etc etc, can add to your enjoyment in the way that protecting something you love does, so really, nothing is too expensive for those lovely stamps. The thing to consider is, does all this protection lessen you enjoyment of the stamps? What's a good compromise between protection and safety and money spent?

Now I know more myself about paper and adhesives and nasty stuff in the air I try to protect stamps in the Vario pages, but this can quickly turn expensive also. Good for scanning and sorting though.

edit typos

Us old guys have to have out coffee sooner in the day to keep up with all these young fellas. It was over before I was finished talking about how good the coffee was going to be. lol

see this is why I love this place always one more point of view to consider that either was not brought up or was considered common sense (which I often lack by the way LOL) .... not only do I have more to advise my child about but more importantly I have much more to consider myself and will have to post my thoughts about this in the plan for future reference once the conversation has exhausted.....

lol you are still the best puzzler

I'm currently printing on 32 pound acid free, and like you am sticking them in page protectors. I'm using 2 mil protectors so they don't contribute to thickness as much as regular ones. Both the paper and the protectors are coming from staples. 32 pound seems to be working nicely and isn't buckling around the hinges. Like others have mentioned in a number of places, mounts around the good stuff (mint never hinged in particular and souvenir sheets), and all my Canadian collection.

I've also been following your "plan" thread with interest. Like you, I'm learning lots from that discussion.

Dave.

thank you I am glad it helps and also love to have more contributions.... I dont generally seek mint stamps as I prefer used and more as a hobby as opposed to an investment.... I am designing my sheets now that the list is finally done (post in th plan) and I agree I think that the 32 may be enough since the whole page will not be stamps... thank you .....

If you want to re-consider "card stock" (65 lb.) paper, you can usually get it in smaller quantities at some stores. Here's one example I bought in a 40 sheet package that works nicely for $2.99:

LOL I am a goober I did not realize that 32 was not card stock lol ... sorry about that man I really need to stop replying with out paying attention.. just glad the focus is on work though man that could create some issues lol

as always wt1 thank you for keeping me honest

I think everyone has already covered the issue well. I'd like to echo that 32 lb. paper is the minimum I would consider and possibly use thin sheet protectors over that. I also have 65 lb card stock. Always buy acid-free and as well if possible get lignin-free.

The other bonus of the sheet protector of course is, in the unlikely chance a stamp comes loose from it's hinge, then it is nicely trapped in the protector (at the bottom) so doesn't get lost.