--- title: Why Do I Need Archival-Quality? description: Learn why archival-quality storage is essential for preserving your valuable items and discover key features to look for in preservation materials. image: https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/WhyArchivalQuality.png --- - [SHOP PRESERVATION](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Preservation) - [SHOP EXHIBIT](https://www.gaylord.com/c/Exhibit-and-Display) [![Gaylord Archival Resource Center](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GALogo-Transparent-3.png?width=65&height=79&name=GALogo-Transparent-3.png "Gaylord Archival Resource Center")](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/home) Search toggle - [PRESERVATION](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/preservation) PRESERVATION - [ARCHIVAL BASICS](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/archival-basics) - [COLLECTIBLES](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/collectibles-artifacts) - [BOOKS](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/books) - [DOCUMENTS](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/documents) - 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Search # Why Do I Need Archival-Quality? ![Why Do I Need Archival-Quality?](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/Blog_AK/WhyArchivalQuality.png)   Starting your preservation journey can initially seem daunting. You might wonder, "Why should I choose this box over a cheaper one at the craft store? It's acid-free; isn't that sufficient?" We hear these questions frequently. The truth is that items not meeting or surpassing the Library of Congress standards can actually cause your photographs, papers, garments, or textiles to deteriorate more quickly. Yikes!   We created this infographic to outline the specifications you should look for when choosing storage materials.[![Why Archival? Infographic](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024-CO-045_ResourceCard_Kits_Page_1.jpg?width=800&height=1200&name=2024-CO-045_ResourceCard_Kits_Page_1.jpg)](https://info.gaylord.com/hubfs/2024-CO-045_ResourceCard_Kits_Page_1.jpg) ## Why Archival? ### *Acid-free is just ONE piece of the puzzle!* - **Lignin-Free** - Lignin is removed from the wood pulp because it produces acids and darkens paper. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/what-does-that-mean-acid-lignin-free) - **Thickness (point, lb., mil)** - Archival enclosures are the ideal thickness for the size of the enclosure to provide the necessary support for fragile objects. - **Safe Adhesives** - Adhesives are pH neutral and don't contain damaging chemicals. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/choosing-materials-tools) - **Layers of Protection** - Archival products are designed to work together to create layers of protection and support. - **Passed P.A.T. (Photographic Activity Test)** - To ensure materials are safe for storing sensitive photos. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/what-is-the-photographic-activity-test) - **Acid-Free** - pH is 7.0 or greater at the time of manufacture. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/what-does-that-mean-acid-lignin-free) - **Design** - Archival enclosures have features that help minimize damage during storage and handling. - **Inert Plastics** - Plastics used are safe for preservation. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resource-center/choose-the-right-plastic) - **Buffered Materials** - An alkaline buffer is added to some products to neutralize acids from items being preserved. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/buffered-or-unbuffered) - **Reactive Chemicals** - Archival materials don't contain harmful additives. - **UV Protection** - Opaque or UV-filtering materials help prevent light damage and fading. - **Rigorous Standards** - Meets/exceeds specs required by renowned preservation institutions. [Learn more \>](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/specifications-pat-logo) - **Construction** - Archival enclosures are built to stand the test of time. ### Share: [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/why-archival&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [Share on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/why-archival&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/why-archival&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://info.gaylord.com/resources/why-archival&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Why%20Do%20I%20Need%20Archival-Quality) [Archival Basics](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/archival-basics), [Preservation](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/tag/preservation) ## Related posts Resources provided here are based on general circumstances. Depending on the condition and significance of your collection, it may require special care. Certain actions may cause irreversible damage. When in doubt, [Find an Expert \>](https://community.culturalheritage.org/expertsearch) ### Are we missing something? If you can't find the information you're looking for, we want to know! [Suggest a Resource \>](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VFG5D5S) ![Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. Share Tomorrow.](https://info.gaylord.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png?width=500&name=Gaylord%20Archival%20Logos%20-%20Horizontal-02.png "Gaylord Archival: Preserve Today. 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