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HOW TO: Choose binders for photographers

Professional and student photographers often find themselves in situations where they need to take examples of their work on the go. The storage products used for this purpose have to walk a fine line and balance portability with durability and archival-grade protection. Ideally, they should also be useful for making a presentation.

A number of Archival Methods products meet all of the requirements above. Several binders, in particular, stand out as great items for photographers who are carefully storing highlights of their portfolio and taking them on the road. Read on to learn the full details of their design attributes.

Multi-Ring Binders
Unlike other similar notable archival binders - such as the Collector Grade Ring Binders or Accent Albums - the Multi-Ring Binders offer an interesting middle ground between functionality and elegance. With its all-black padded leather-like exterior, business card holder and handle on the spine of its Presentation Case, the binder will look nothing less than professional when carried into an office by a photographer.

At the same time, the acid-free black paper and polypropylene sleeves that are used to store the actual photographs ensure that the prints will be insulated against a wide variety of natural hazards. At 1" in depth, a Multi-Ring Binder can hold up to 40 pages. A total of 10 polypropylene sleeves are included with the item, and extras can be purchased separately. The binders are available in three sizes - 8.5" x 11", 11" x 14" and 14" x 17", while the cases that hold them are either 17" x 22" or 18" x 24".

Binder-in-a-Box
For some, the protection that the Multi-Ring Binders provide may not be enough. Fortunately, the Binder-in-a-Box offers a similar format - a binder within a separate presentation and storage enclosure - but with an additional layer of protection.

This is due to the archival metal edge box that surrounds this product. Protection from dirt, dust, humidity, acid and other impurities is virtually guaranteed due to the durable boxboard and acid-free lining. Meanwhile, the binder's 1 1/2" O-ring accommodates most 3-ring page dimensions up to 10 1/2" x 12 1/2". It can be purchased in either white, tan, gray or black.

The advantages of the Binder-in-a-Box don't stop at its archival attributes. Its clamshell design allows for easy opening and presentation, which will serve enclosed photographs well. It may be particularly useful for photo collections that are exhibited somewhat frequently but must be placed in storage in between viewings.

Brafton written article for www.archivalmethods.com 1/23/13

DISCOVER A TIP: Artifact Box

A multipurpose archival box that can be used for the storage of objects, documents, magazines, books or other smaller boxes to consolidate a collection of stamps or coins in one place. It is constructed of archival corrugated that is acid and lignin-free and safe to use for long term storage. The interior dimensions are 14-3/4" x 12" x 5" making the storage capacity equal to half a cubic foot of space. Another option for the Artifact Box is 35mm Slide Storage. The 35MM Slide Kit 2400 will hold up to 2400 cardboard-mounted 35mm slides or about 1200 glass-mounts. The system consists of three components: a) 35mm Slide Box for mounted slides, b) Slide Trays to group slides within the Slide Box and c) Artifact Master Box that neatly and conveniently holds and protects 12 of the Slide Boxes. All the components are manufactured from ArchivalGrade boxboard and/or Archival Corrugated.

TERM DEFINITION: Linen Tape

This tape is water activated and adhesive backed. It's made of a cambric-quality, tightly-woven linen which is acid-free, it contains no starch fillers and will not flake or become brittle. The pH-neutral, water-activated adhesive will securely hold the window mat to the backing board. However, linen tape should not be used directly on artwork. The thickness of the linen and the strength of the adhesive make this type of tape a poor choice for hinging artwork. It could cause damage to the piece.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Question: I just bought two rolls of your linen tape and was expecting something self-adhesive. I've never used the water-activated stuff before and was wondering what your recommendations were for application. Should I soak the entire piece of tape in water, just wet the adhesive side, etc.?

Answer: First, apply water with a clean damp sponge to the adhesive side only. Then apply tape to the backside of window mat and the backing board; before the tape has time to dry. Next, with a clean paper towel or cloth apply pressure and absorb any excess moisture. Close the hinge and align the edges of window mat and backing and then apply pressure along the hinge area. The adhesive will dry and set in just a few minutes. This may sound complicated, but once you get the hang of it you will find it easy to use. Our mat cutters prefer the water activated linen tape to the pressure sensitive products we also sell.

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