Getting your comics ready for storage

Since comic books are doomed to deteriorate the moment they leave the printer, proper storage is essential if you want to enjoy them for many years to come. Some collections can be worth thousands of pounds, and even a single copy of a particularly rare edition can fetch hundreds of pounds. Our comprehensive guide is here to help you find the best way to store your comic books.

The majority of comic book damage is the result of careless handling.

Taking care of Comics

Let's lay the groundwork for everything else first. When working with or viewing your comics, it's important to do so in an environment designed to protect them from wear and tear.

• Prepare a clean, dry, flat surface; white paper is ideal for this so that you can easily spot and wipe away any dirt or liquid that might find its way onto your comic books.

• Don't come back until you've finished your coffee! The same goes for any writing instruments that might leak ink or leave smudges on paper.

• If you want to keep your comics oil-free, you should wash your hands (like we haven't heard that before!) and wear nitrile gloves or finger cots.

Nitrile gloves are preferable when handling thin papers like the comic book paper because cotton gloves can reduce dexterity. Here is where you can see them.

Remove dust and grime from your comic book storage areas.

Comics that have been read or not stored properly previously will require cleaning before being stored properly. Contaminants on the paper can lead to damage over time, they may not be particularly visible at the moment or only seem minor, but it is best to clean them away before storage.

• Oil from those careless flutters of fingers will be visible on the pages. In addition to attracting dust, the oil on your fingers could cause permanent damage to the paper. Remove any oils and dirt from the surface with care using this paper cleaning pad.

• Dust on exposed surfaces like the page edges and spine can encourage pests and mold growth and should be removed. Use a soft dusting brush that won't scratch the paper's surface to remove dust and dirt, and don't forget to scrub the spines, either. The spine is a common collecting spot for dirt, hair, and even fingernails that have been on other books.

• Mold can be harmful to human health, so caution should be used when cleaning a comic that has been damaged by mold and contains active mold growth. You should clean and wash the paper to lessen any stains caused by mold growth before putting away your comics.

Paper cleaning is typically done by a professional conservator. Washing the paper helps prolong its life by neutralizing the acid that has built up over time.

How to fix your torn comics and the perils of tape.

Tears of this size can be patched with archival acid-free tape. Tears, especially if left unrepaired, will worsen as the paper ages and weakens in storage. Standard self-adhesive tapes will cause irreparable damage and staining over time, so it's important to select an acid free, archival quality repair tape for this purpose. Japanese tissue, such as this Tengu gummed tape, may be used for a repair of professional quality; it is more difficult to apply, but the end result is worth the effort.

In most cases, a professional paper conservator will be needed to remove tape. A conservator can safely remove tape from comics by using a variety of methods (heat, steam, solvents) that will not harm the comics in any way. The method of care would be determined by how long the tape has been in use.

Picking a spot to keep your comics

Most people haven't given this much thought, and the boxes containing their prized collections are probably stashed away somewhere inaccessible, like the depths of a cupboard, the back of a closet, or (gasp!) a garage or loft. Pick out a nice spot for your comics to call home. The ticking time bomb of comic destruction will be accelerated and facilitated by poor storage conditions. Is that enough drama?!

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Keep pipes, windows, and attics dry to lessen the likelihood of mold growth.

2. If airflow is restricted, condensation and mold can form on cold exterior walls, especially those facing north.

3. Lofts, garages, and areas near radiators, for example, should be avoided because the sudden shifts in temperature and humidity can hasten the paper's natural degradation and lead to condensation and mold growth.

4. Stay away from high relative humidity (RH) areas.

5. Pests can destroy a collection without you even realizing it; avoid areas with known insect and pest infestations such as silverfish (which can be indicative of other problems).

6. Select a spot where the heat and sunlight won't ruin your comics.

Your comics should be stored in a cool, dry place that doesn't get too much sunlight. The amount of moisture in the air is expressed as a percentage called "relative humidity" (RH). RH between 40 and 50 percent is ideal. A thermohygrometer is a simple tool for checking the humidity and temperature of a given area.

Use pest traps to keep an eye on the warehouse and get early warning of any infestations or other problems. Silverfish can destroy your collection, but these traps will lure them in, trap them, and then kill them.

You now know the best conditions to keep your comics in, have cleaned and prepared them for storage, and are ready to move on to the next step...