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How long can an autograph be in the open for?

I have bought autograph's which I have no idea how to frame yet. How long can I leave them out? I keep them in a drawer, protected, but I know I can't keep them like that forever. Is there a better way to keep them from fading etc. for a while until I can frame them?

Thanks

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Permalink Reply by Samuel John Clifford on June 10, 2016 at 2:30pm

Buy one of these to keep it protected, they come in different sizes and they have clear protector sheets. They work great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DC0T3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_...

Permalink Reply by Samuel John Clifford on June 10, 2016 at 3:04pm

Doesn't need to be that one. It's just what I use.

Permalink Reply by Pete Bendu on June 10, 2016 at 4:23pm

If you have them stored in a drawer, you should have no problem at all with fading. Displaying them in sunlight or bright light will be the main causes for fading.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 10, 2016 at 4:31pm

Hi,

Of course, stay away from any sleeves etc with PVC.

Eric

Permalink Reply by Paul on June 10, 2016 at 7:44pm

Do you think the 8x10 plastic hard sleeves are pvc free? The one you stick photos in.

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 10, 2016 at 8:01pm

Look for "Archival" and "PVC free" - generic hard top loaders, I can't say.

Eric

Permalink Reply by Glad Max on June 29, 2016 at 7:30pm

I learned (not the hard way but through research, thankfully) that most hard sleeves contain PVC. What you can do is put the photo in a polypropylene/Mylar soft sleeve and then put safely in the hard toploader. Ultra Pro specifically makes toploaders that will accommodate photos with soft sleeves with room to spare.

Permalink Reply by Paul on June 29, 2016 at 9:15pm

Are the psa plastic slabs pvc free?

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 29, 2016 at 9:30pm

Hi Paul,

Check with others, but my understanding is that recent hard loaders by companies like BCW are acid free and made of PVC that no longer contains the plasticizes that, for example, were in soft coin flips and caused coin cancer/PVC damage. Soft sleeves should be PVC free and acid free.

Your question about the hard slabs, speaking generically, is a very good one. I really don't think PVC is a problem there, but your overall point is to be well taken.

I'll use an example from another field for...clarity. Back in the late 80's/early 90's (? it's been a while) a coin grading company used these really nice small white slabs. The composition of the paper insert bearing the grade, or the ink etc., is observed to have caused, over time, toning in purples and blues on the periphery of many MS and Pr silver coins. This toning actually has a name now.

Anyway, it is wise to research these sorts of things in my opinion. I recall certain slabs for other collectables were found to be gas-permeable for example, so always good to think ahead.

Eric

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on June 30, 2016 at 1:48pm

Hello,

Does anyone have additional information regarding this topic?

Thank you, Eric

Permalink Reply by Paul on June 30, 2016 at 2:04pm

Thanks Eric, i stuck a couple of signed pieces of paper into hard loaders for framing so no tape gets on the paper, so i hope they are pvc free.
But i dont know if the encapsulating paper is safe or not. It's difficult to keep autographs no matter what you do. You have to keep them away sunlight and hopefully no gritters will get to them like moths or mice if their in a cupboard etc.

Permalink Reply by BC on June 30, 2016 at 2:11pm