Building a Climate Controlled Archive

Proper storage is vital to prevent the degradation of paper and ink caused by environmental factors.

Humidity Management

• Keep the relative humidity between 40 and 50 percent to prevent mold growth on the paper.
• High humidity can cause the paper to swell and the ink to bleed, ruining the design.
• Use silica gel packets inside albums to absorb excess moisture in the air.

Light Exposure Control

• UV light is the enemy of stamps, causing the colors to fade over time.
• Store albums in dark cabinets or closets when they are not being viewed.
• Consider using UV-filtering sleeves for loose stamps to provide an extra layer of protection.

A well-maintained archive preserves the physical condition of your collection for decades to come.