It is recommended that you change your comic boards and bags every 3 - 5 years.

Most comic books have been printed on newsprint. This includes all comic books printed prior to Modern Age, as well as some Modern Age books. The reason that you will need to change the backing boards is that the newsprint that most comic books are printed on has been bleached with acid prior to printing, and some of the acid from the bleach remains in the paper. The backing boards are coated with calcium carbonate so that they absorb the acid that migrates from the book. You will want to store them away from sunlight and in a cool dry place because sunlight, heat, and moisture can accelerate the acid migration process.

BCW Brand backing boards are solid bleached sulfate and conform to ANSI standard Z39.48.

The National Archives and Records Administration specified the following with regard to the long-term storage and preservation of photographic documents; "Look for plastic enclosures made from uncoated pure polyethylene, polypropylene or polyester (also called Mylar D or Mellinex 516). These are considered stable and non-damaging to photographs." BCW Brand comic bags are made of uncoated virgin polypropylene.

Classification of Comic Books:

Comics are classified into 3 major categories, Victorian Age, Platinum Age, and Modern Age. Comic books came into existence during the Modern Age of comics in February of 1934 with the release of Eastern Color Printing's Famous Funnies #1, Series 1. The Modern Age of comics is classified into 4 sub-categories, Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age, and Modern Age (Bronze Age and Modern Age comic books are also referred to as "Current" comics).

Victorian Age - 1795 to 1899
Platinum Age - 1897 to 1938
Modern Age - 1929 to Present
*Golden Age - 1934 to 1955 (BCW Golden Age Comic Bags & Backing Boards)
*Silver Age - 1956 to 1969 (BCW Silver Age Comic Bags & Backing Boards)
*Bronze Age - 1970 to 1979 (BCW Current Comic Bags & Backing Boards)
*Modern Age - from 1980 to Present (BCW Current Comic Bags & Backing Boards)

You will need to determine which of the 4 categories of the Modern Age of comics that your comic book falls under to be sure to get the proper size of comic bags and backing boards. We suggest that you measure your comic book or refer to the copyright date to determine which category your comic book falls under.