Storing Fabric On Plastic Wrap -- Is Plastic Wrap Acid Free?
 

I have researched comic boards and I’m not convinced that both sides are acid free. Is that just me who is thinking this way?

I was wondering if a kitchen plastic wrap (like a Saran Wrap) is acid free? I found a little bit of information on the web about that packing “shrink wrap” which seemed to indicate that that is acid free (I’m not 100 percent sure though). Does anyone know the answer of these questions? I tried to search on the internet but didn’t get any definite information to satisfy my skepticism.

If plastic wrap is acid free, perhaps that would solve a lot of problems for a lot of people. Those who like to use the bolts from JA’s and other stores could first wrap the cardboard with plastic wrap and then wrap the fabric around that. Also, if comic boards are not 100 percent acid free on both sides (and on the edges), I would feel better to wrap the boards in plastic wrap if plastic wrap is acid free.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

If I was that worried, I'd rather wrap the board with muslin.

I don't know if plastic wrap is acid free or not, (I doubt that it is), but I still think any plastic next to cotton in storage is a bad idea. That's because there will be condensation forming on the plastic with temperature fluctuations, and that moisture will be trapped by the plastic, causing mildew to the adjacent fabric. Quilts should never be stored long term in plastic bags for that reason, so I think the same logic follows for storage of unused fabric.

I agree with you.

Excellent point! Thanks for sharing.

Fabric needs to breathe, so I don't think plastic is a good idea. There are always cautions against storing fabric (for a long time) in plastic tubs. Finished quilts are better stored in pillow cases than plastic bags. If you are worried about the boards, I would wrap with muslin as suggested. Since you are not going to quilt with it, you can get a bolt of inexpensive muslin from JoAnns or WM.

Did you run across this article on your research? http://boards.collectors-society.com...27#Post4534727
It indicates that the boards that are infused with an alkaline buffer give the best protection against acidity over time. These boards don't have a right/wrong side. However I don't know whether fabric deteriorates in the same way as paper, generating acidic by-products. Interesting topic. I still fold my fabrics and stack them.

Thank you for your comments everyone.

Dunster, no, I did not see that article regarding comic book boards and their archival qualities. EXCELLENT article - thank you so much for sending the link. It certainly confirms my thoughts on some of the boards.

I just moved to a new house and so I have the opportunity to set up a fabric storage system as I unpack. I am not concerned about wrapping fabric around plastic since the Polar Notions boards are plastic. However, I do not know enough about plastic wrap (Saran Wrap) to feel comfortable that it is suitable for long term contact with fabric. Wrapping the boards with muslin sounds like the best solution for me. Thanks for that suggestion.

The difficulty that could arise from using plastic wrap, is condensation.