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CARDS IN BASEMENT QUESTION...
Jake4Pack
Posts: 20
Are PSA slabbed cards safe from humidity? I am finishing a basement and I am planning on putting some down there on display or in storage.
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not longterm store them in a moisture-prone place.
Humidity is the enemy of collectible paper.
Raw: Tony Gonzalez (low #'d cards, and especially 1/1's) and Steve Young.
When I want to store and protect paper, I think of
how libraries do it.
Store your cards in a cool, dry place. Humidity and
temperature extremes are the enemies of your cards.
You don't need to have a special climate-controlled
room for your collection, but common sense should be
applied. Be sure to also avoid direct sunlight, as it
doesn't take much to fade and damage your cards.
When you store your documents and other paper materials,
be sure to store them flat, in a cool, dry and preferably dark
area. Papers should always be stored in acid-free, alkaline
materials, (boxes, folders or mats) or polyester film folders.
Never keep your documents in a damp or humid area- such
as a basement, attic or bathroom. These areas can lead to
mold growth and foxing (brown stains that appear on the
surface of the paper).
The Library of Congress states that the ideal temperature
for storing and preserving documents is below 72 degrees
Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of 35%.
supplies
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it"
<< <i>What about cold temperatures like 50F? How can cold dry temperatures damage cards? >>
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In general, that would be fine for longterm "cold storage."
Keeping things dry in very low temps can require mechanical
help.
When cards are taken out of cold storage, fast temperature
hikes may cause condensation on them. Under the right
conditions, droplets could appear on the inside of the slabs.
(They need to be warmed-up slowly.)
The main goal is to keep the temperature constant.
Library of Congress says:
"Authorities disagree on the ideal temperature and relative humidity for library and archival materials. A frequent recommendation is a stable temperature no higher than 70°F and a stable relative humidity between a minimum of 30% and a maximum of 50%. .."
<< <i>What about cards stored inside of one of those locked Rubbermaid bins, while in the basement? Safe from humidity I presume? >>
Guys, Look into Pelican cases. They are air tight, water tight, and particulate proof.
They dont have to be customized like the versions that I offer, but a fantastic way to store packs and cards.
Here is a picture of the cases.