Acid Free Tissue Paper for Textiles & Costumes
In the course of time most tissue paper will become acidic and brittle with age. The acidity will transfer to adjacent objects causing these objects to become weaker and possibly discolored. Acid free tissue papers are specially processed to remove such contaminants. Some acid free papers are, in addition, buffered to an alkaline pH. These buffered papers are considered acceptable for cotton or linen textiles, but potentially harmful to silk or wool objects.
Therefore, it is suggested that a neutral pH, unbuffered acid free tissue paper be purchased for general textile or costume storage. An 18 pound weight paper is useful for quilts, coverlets, and the storage of other flat textiles. For storing costumes or other items, some "stuffing" or interleaving may be necessary to maintain a three dimensional shape or to prevent abrasion between textile surfaces. For these purposes, a lighter 12 pound paper is suggested. This lighter acid free paper is also known as "laminating tissue."
These acid free tissue papers can be obtained as flat pieces 32" x 40" or on rolls about 36" wide x 250' long. A roll of paper is economical and easier to store than flat sheets if a quantity of textiles needs to be packed for storage or if the textiles are larger than 32" x 40". Some suppliers of archival materials are listed here; they all supply acid free papers and boxes.
List of Suppliers
Archivart
40 Eisenhower Drive
Paramus, New Jersey 07652
Tel:
800-804-8428
Archival products for conservation, exhibition and storage
DEMCO
4810 Forest Run Road
PO Box 7488
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7488
Tel: 800-279-1586
Library materials, archival supplies, frames
Gaylord Bros.
Box 4901
Syracuse, New York 13221-4901
Tel: 800-634-6307
315-457-5070
Archival, conservation supplies
The Hollinger Corporation
9401 Northeast Drive
Fredricksburg, Virginia 22408
Tel: 800-634-0491
Archival, conservation supplies
Light Impressions Corp.
PO Box 787
Brea, CA 92822-0787
Tel: 800-828-6216
Archival, conservation supplies, framing
Metal Edge, Inc.
6340 Bandini Blvd.
Commerce, CA 90040
800-862-2228
MuseuM Services Corporation
1107 East Cliff Road
Burnsville, Minnesota 55337-1514
Tel: 612-895-5199; 800-672-1107
Acid free paper, textile storage boxes
Talas
568 Broadway
New York, New York 10011
Tel: 212-219-0770
Archival, conservation supplies
University Products
517 Main Street
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01041
Tel: 800-628-9281
Archival, conservation supplies