You finally found that perfect paper collectible!  Is it the advertisement featuring a family member or family business? Perhaps a series of advertisements that shows off your collection of vintage dishes or lures? Or are you restoring an antique, a classic car or vintage musical instrument? Whatever the reason, you have acquired a paper collectible.

There are a number of factors that influence the long term stability of your item. Some are not under your control, for example, manufacturing method of the paper, type of ink or paper components (for example wood pulp). Others are and these include: proper environment and safe handling.

The perfect environment for a paper collectible would be in a dark, cool, relatively dry spot (never the basement or attic!). It is imperative to avoid light, heat and dampness.

Light is particularly damaging to paper items. It is the ultraviolet (UV) light, emitted by the sun and fluorescent bulbs that do the most damage. The result of too much light is fading, yellowing and discoloration.  Try to avoid or eliminate the UV light by using drapes, filters, and light bulbs. If your collectible is going to be framed, hang it on an inside wall away from sunlight and long term lighting.

A stable temperature and relative humidity is better than daily fluctuations. You should try to aim for 35% relative humidity according to the Library of Congress preservation department and below 72° F.  Heat accelerates deterioration so the lower the temperature the longer the life of your paper collectible.

Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity allows chemical reactions that require water (hydrolysis) to occur. The more moisture that is in the air, the more likely that you will see damage such as rippling, warping and foxing (brown spots).  If the air is too dry then your paper item will dry, become brittle and crumble. The key to controlling humidity is controlling temperature.

Try to handle your paper as little as possible. If you are going to handle it, clean hands or even white, cotton gloves. The oil from your fingers can leave residue on the paper.

For preservation purposes, it is best to store your paper collectible flat in acid-free alkaline folders.  Paper has a high acid content and the mat and folders help reduce or neutralize the acidity thus helping in the preservation of your item.  If you are going to have an item framed, be sure your framer understands the proper method to mat and frame paper collectibles, using archival materials.

Should your paper collectible become wet, torn or damaged in anyway, you should contact a paper conservator.  To select the professional best qualified to treat your object, contact the referral service maintained by The Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation (FAIC). They will provide you with a list of conservators in your area that can help you find an appropriate conservator or conservation treatment.