People who collect comic books do so for a variety of reasons. For some, it’s a leisurely and perhaps sentimental hobby. For others collecting comic books is an investment strategy. No matter your reason for collecting comic books, if you want to keep your collection in excellent condition, you’ll have to store each book correctly. Read on for the dos and don’ts of comic book storage.
Comic Book Storage: What to Do
Before you store your comic books, take time to clean the issues. This is especially important if you purchase an issue from a flea market or thrift store, where it has been collecting dust and debris. A lightly dampened cloth wiped across the cover will remove excess dust and debris. Allow the comic book to fully dry before putting it in a bag (also known as a sleeve).
Because of the delicate nature of comic books, each issue needs to be placed in a comic book bag. Mylar sleeves are the best option, as they tend to be the most durable. To prevent curling, a piece of cardboard should be placed behind the book inside the bag. Experts recommend acid-free boards made of white, coated cardboard. Comic books should always be stored upright.
Once your comic books are bagged and boarded, you’ll need to place them in a box. Although cardboard boxes can be used, choosing cardboard is risky. Cardboard is susceptible to water, mold, and mildew damage in the event of a flood, burst pipe, or other water emergencies.
Instead, consider storing the bagged books in plastic boxes, and be sure to keep them elevated off the floor. You should also take caution to avoid stacking heavy items on the boxes containing your comic books. If you prefer, metal filing cabinets, bookshelves, or trunks can also be used for comic book storage.
Boxes of comic books should be stored in a climate-controlled facility, such as a storage facility that offers both temperature and humidity control. Extreme temperatures and environments that are too damp, or too dry will cause accelerated deterioration of your collection. Experts also recommend avoiding constant, direct light, to prevent your comic books from fading.
Storing Comic Books: Avoid these Common Mistakes
Moisture, heat, and pests can destroy a prized comic book collection quickly. To that end, avoid the following comic book storage mistakes:
- Do not store comic books on the floor.
- Do not store comic books in places rodents can access them.
- Do not store comic book collections in locations that experience extreme temperatures (attics, garages, sheds, etc.)
- Do not stack cardboard boxes full of comic books on top of each other.
- Do not leave space in the storage box, which allows the comic books to fall over.
- Don’t forget to label each box, so you know which books are in each box.
Pest, Humidity, and Temperature-Controlled Storage Units for Comic Books in Eugene
Armored Storage provides personal storage units perfect for comic book storage in Lane County. Armored Storage is the most secure storage facility in the area, and each unit is equipped with temperature, pest, and humidity control. To learn more about our top-reviewed storage facility in Eugene, call 541-688-1301, or send us a message today.