Buffered or non-buffered storage boxes?

[thefizz]

I understand that B&W prints should be mounted and matted with buffered board but I am ordering some MicroChamber storage boxes from Conservation Resources and they have told me that the Silver Safe box is best for photographic prints, even though the inner surface of this box is non-buffered.

This is how they describe their standard Microchamber box and their Silver Safe version:

"This remarkable board is not only alkaline buffered and lignin-free, but its unique structure, which incorporates a proprietary molecular sieve and a special activated carbon, will actively contribute to the preservation of the collection by absorbing and neutralizing by-products of deterioration released by stored material. We suggest this paper for all of your storage needs, whether photographic or paper-based. As another option, Conservation Resources offers MicroChamber/Silversafe boxes. This box board was specifically designed for photographic articles, textiles, or similar protein-based artifacts. The exterior of the MicroChamber/Silversafe box is lignin- and sulfur-free, with alkaline buffering and a pH of 8.5. The inner surface is a neutral pH, non-buffered white cotton Silversafe paper."

Are they correct in telling me the Silver Safe box is best.

Peter

 

[Vaughn]

Buffered is not always the best when in contact with the item stored. This is especially true for textiles and colour prints where an alkaline environment can damage the dyes. And a nuetral material against silver gelatin prints/negatives is fine.

Since the outside of the box is buffered, that will provide the long term protection from atmospheric contaminates, while the nuetral inside is best for contact against the items inside the box.

I would say that a nuetral environment is always the best -- the only reason some recommend a buffered (alkaline) board is that over time and with the slightly acidic air around our polluted world, the board will eventually become nuetral. How much one has to worry about atmospheric pollution will depend on where you live. If you live in an area that burns coal for heating and cooking, then one must take more precautions than an area that does not.

I do like Conservation Resources products...good quality.

Vaughn

 

[thefizz]

Thank you Vaughan for that detailed answer, much appreciated.

Peter