You spent years hunting down that first appearance of your favorite superhero or saving up for a limited-edition print that speaks to your soul. It looks incredible on your shelf or wall right now, but give it a few years of neglect, and you might find yourself staring at a faded, yellowed ghost of what used to be a masterpiece.
Knowing how to protect your artwork and comics at home is the only way to stop your prized possessions from turning into expensive confetti.
The Sun Is Not Your Friend
Sunlight feels great on your face, but it is an absolute nightmare for ink and paper. UV rays act like a slow-motion laser beam, bleaching color and making paper brittle. You might think your collection is safe because it isn’t sitting directly in a window beam, but ambient light still causes damage over time. To maintain your collectibles in mint condition, keep your most valuable pieces in the darkest parts of your room.
Humidity Hates Paper
Moisture is the silent killer of all things paper-based. Too much humidity causes paper to ripple, warp, and eventually grow mold, which is basically game over for a comic book. Too little humidity dries out the fibers, making them brittle enough to snap. You want to aim for a sweet spot around 50% humidity and a stable temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to keep your treasures in a climate-controlled room where you actually live.
Keep Your Greasy Mitts Off
We all think our hands are clean, but human skin naturally produces oils that transfer to paper when it comes into contact with it. These oils sit on the surface and eventually cause discoloration that can’t be reversed. Wash your hands thoroughly before you touch anything in your collection, and dry them completely!
If you want to be extra careful, buy a pair of white cotton gloves. Handling your raw comics or unframed prints without barriers is a risk you shouldn’t take.
Bag It, Board It, and Frame It Right
Standard cardboard and cheap plastic bags will yellow your comics over time because they slowly release acids as they deteriorate. You need to use acid-free backing boards and Mylar bags for your comics. Mylar is an archival polyester that doesn’t break down or off-gas like standard polyethylene bags.
For framed art, use acid-free mats and backing. If you are the DIY type, look up how to install backing on a picture frame to ensure you seal the back properly and keep dust and bugs out.
Don’t Let Your Investment Fade Away
Preserving your collection takes a bit of effort and some upfront cash, but the alternative is watching your money disintegrate. You don’t need a museum curator’s degree to keep your stuff safe, just the right environment! Following these steps on how to protect your artwork and comics at home will ensure your treasured pieces last for generations, maintaining their value and visual appeal. Now go check your humidity levels and invest in those Mylar bags!
