Photo/Scrapbook Albums For Stamp Sheets

I have a "scrapbook" album made by a well known manufacturer. The pages are heavy duty paper with polypropylene protection. The manufacturer indicates the pages are archival, with acid, lignin and PVC free paper and plastic. Is this suitable for storing gummed stamp sheets?

How do you all store your stamp sheets? How do acid free file folders compare to acid free sheet protectors for storing stamp sheets?

I store mine in protective sleeves but like any storage media much depends on the manufacturer claims and quality control and storage conditions. There has been plenty of discussion on protective sleeves over the years.

I looked at some threads on this forum regarding photo albums and there seems to be mixed reviews. The two threads below mentioned Pioneer brand, which perhaps many stamp collectors use since it's a very common brand. One thread was positive on Pioneer, and the other negative.

https://www.stampcommunity.org/topi...whichpage=1&

https://goscf.com/t/47694

I have new MNH gummed stamp sheets that I would like to store and don't want to find out a year from now that the gum has stuck to the acid and lignin free paper. I don't want to lose $$ on what may become stuck and worthless postage.

On one hand, I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish, but on the other hand, I don't want to buy something just because it's marketed for a specific purpose. For example, there are glass cleaners that are marketed specifically for certain objects, whereas other glass cleaners can work well on those objects too.

There are a bevy of "archival" and acid free sheet protector brands and that seems like a reasonable way to store gummed sheets, since the gum won't stick to plastic over time. I don't know how strictly or loosely that term in used. The only downside is when turning sheet protectors in a binder, it's less rigid/sturdy vs a photo album.

About 10 years ago, I put a lot of 4"x6" photos into a Pioneer acid and pvc free photo album and they are fine with no stickiness or discoloration. I live in a dry climate with very low humidity.

Would love to read more of your comments.

The terms 'acid free' and 'archival' are marketing terms and have no science or evidence-based data behind them, they are used to fool consumers. You can safely ignore them unless you can find associated data that offer evidence the manufacturer has actually done accelerated aging test with an independent lab. (Good luck with this, I have yet to ever find any real data behind any of the claims. If a manufacturer has actually invested in testing they would typically be touting it by publishing the results.)

From the Society of American Archivists

If you want to be a good steward of the material in your care, then I would recommend testing the albums and pages yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Lineco-Testi...9955&sr=8-25

Don

Don

Thank you for "keeping it real."

While on Amazon, I searched "archival" sheet protectors and read reviews on one brand where it was used for stamps.

Perhaps a lot of us are using untested "archival" protectors and are hoping for the best.

No worries. Many folks think they are being careful by buying 'acid free' and 'archival' based only upon the packaging. Here is an example of some packaging...


And there is a common misbelief that as long as you have stamps in some kind of mount you can get away with 'acid free pages, albums and slipcases. Every single slip case that I have ripped apart and tested showed low pH/acid content; I think they use cheap cardboard in them. Go visit quality library or museum and see if the store paper and documents in cardboard boxes.

The key is to maintain a stable environment but this can be quite costly and difficult. The more we 'cheat' on the material we use and surround our stamps and covers with the higher the importance of maintaining at a constant 70°F with a relative humidity held between 30% and 50%.
Don