What does Hollinger do? (back to top)
Hollinger Metal Edge has been the leading manufacturer and supplier of archival storage products
for government and institutional archives, historical societies, museums, libraries, universities,
galleries and private collectors for over 60 years.

Is there a minimum order? NO. (back to top)

Do you do custom orders? (back to top)
Yes, on a daily basis. Our specialized staff would be happy to help you find the best storage option.
Be sure to have the dimensions/quantity of items when you call.

How much is Shipping? (back to top)
We would be happy to estimate shipping over the phone. You can also visit the UPS website
(you will need approximate dimensions and weight of shipment). We do not charge handling fees.
You pay only what UPS charges for freight.

What do I do if my order is damaged? (back to top)
Let us know immediately. We will be happy to replace anything damaged due to shipping.

What is Archival Intercept? (back to top)

Our 6 mil high density polyethylene Intercept sheets provide the usual inert barrier of archival polyethylene plus the additional protection of neutralizing common oxidizing atmospheric gases such as ozone, carbonyl sulfide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, nitrogen dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. In Intercept polyethylene sheets, copper is covalently reacted into the polymer matrix. This copper backbone gives Intercept its ability to bond with and neutralize oxidizing gases. Intercept sheets can be placed inside any archival enclosure to obtain the added benefit of protection from atmospheric contaminants within the enclosure. Our six mil Intercept sheets will offer protection for at least six years before needing replacement.

What is Tyvek? (back to top)

Tyvek is an inert, water resistant sheet that is strong, versatile and inexpensive. Made from high density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek is a chemically inert sheet of spunbonded olefin that is strong, lightweight, flexible and resistant to water, chemicals, abrasion and aging. It’s low linting surface makes it ideal for storing photographic materials. The opaque, smooth surface can be sown into bags or wrapped around a large variety of collectibles for protection from UV radiation and dust on open shelves. Tyvek  resists mold and mildew. Its smooth, white surface will shield collectibles from ultraviolet light and dust when used as final wrapping material for unboxed or rolled quilts. Unlike tissue or other papers, Tyvek will not tear and remains strong even if crimped. Cut a length at least 8 inches longer than your rolled quilt or tube. Secure it around the quilt with nonadhesive, flat woven tapes or ribbons. Do not use cord or tie too tightly.

Cedar chests have long been used as protective storage containers for textiles. The cedar presents some potential damage to contiguous fabrics. If you use a cedar chest, consider lining it on the bottom and sides with Tyvek to maximize protection.

Protective Curtains: Cut a length of Tyvek slightly longer than the height of your shelf. Secure the cut sheet at the top of the shelf. The curtain can be rolled up and left on the shelf top during the periods when the shelf needs to be open for access.

How can I store Documents, Pamphlets, Books and Valuable Papers? (back to top)

Documents should be stored in a primary archival enclosure such as a folder or envelope. The primary enclosure should then be stored in an archival box. The primary enclosure is usually a folder, envelope, sleeve or binder page and we make these items in many shapes and sizes in both paper and poly film. As opposed to paper folders and envelopes, Poly film products are clear and often a good choice for documents that will require frequent handling or viewing.

When more than one document page is stored in the same primary enclosure, it is helpful to place interleaving archival sheets between the document pages. For example, a frequent practice is to store a number of document pages in an archival file folder with archival bond paper placed between the document pages. It is very helpful to spray poor quality paper documents with a deacidification solution before storage. Newspapers will benefit greatly from this treatment.

After documents are placed in primary enclosures, they should be placed in an archival storage box that is a suitable size to house the primary enclosures. Documents stored in polyester or polypropylene binder pages can be housed in an archival binder album.

What ways can I store Photographs, Negatives, and X-Rays? (back to top)

Photos and negatives should be placed in a primary enclosure such as an envelope, sleeve or binder page. The primary enclosure should then be placed in a secondary enclosure like an archival box or binder album. Photos may be placed single or back-to-back in the primary enclosure. Each negative should be stored in its own primary enclosure.

The primary enclosure is usually a folder, envelope, sleeve or binder page and we make these items in many shapes and sizes in both paper and poly film. As opposed to paper folders and envelopes, Poly film products are clear and often a good choice for documents that will require frequent handling or viewing.

Pro-Line Photo Cleaning Products, including Pro-Cleaner (removes ball point and most other inks, finger prints, oil, grease, pencil marks, laser separation oil, fungal growth, smoke and soot), Pro-Pads (designed for use on critical surfaces without scratching, safe for emulsions, optics, scanners, copiers and compact discs), and Pro-Duster (moisture free, quad filtered and non-ozone depleting duster) can be used with standard black & white and color photographs. The Kaiser Schreiber Photo Marking Pen will safely write on paper, polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene

How should I store Microfiche and Microfilm? (back to top)

Microfiche Storage Products: Use Hollinger microfiche envelopes, which fit nicely in our microfiche storage boxes. These boxes come in various lengths to better accommodate both large and small collections. We also make microfiche dividers to assist in categorization. Our microfiche envelopes are made of lignin free 20# paper with an 8.5 pH and a 3% calcium carbonate buffer.

Microfilm Storage Boxes: Hollinger has specialized microfilm boxes for both 16mm and 35mm microfilm collections. We have a one piece, tuck lid box made of .020 archival paper stock in both 16mm and 35mm sizes, made for easy slip-in for microfilm. These boxes can then fit nicely into our Microfilm Master Cases, made of .060 archival fiberboards. Microfilm Master Cases come in 4 sizes ranging from the smallest which holds five 35mm or ten 16mm, to the largest which holds twenty-four 35mm or forty-five 16mm.

Another option for 35mm microfilm is our one piece, hinged lid, metal stayed box with thumb cuts for easy access. This box is made of our .060 document board and does not require a master case.

To index your microfilm collection you can use Hollinger button and string tie labels, which tie around microfilm reels for easy identification.

 

How should I store Video and Audio Cassettes, CDs, Computer Disks? (back to top)

Hollinger makes both Video and Audio Cassette Boxes, designed to fit cassettes with or without an outer sleeve. We make an 18 pack and 36 pack Audio Cassette Box and a 10 pack and 14 pack Video Cassette Box.

There are several options for your CD and computer disk collections:

• Archival Polypropylene Binders and Intercept CD & DVD Binder Pages: Our inert binders and binder pages provide the best storage for CDs or DVDs. Each black polypropylene binder will hold up to 20 pages. Each Intercept binder page holds 8 CDs or DVDs. Research at Bell Labs has shown the four major causes of CD and DVD degradation to be ozone, UV light, mold & mildew, and electrostatic discharge. The Intercept interior in these binder pages offers state of the art protection against all four of these deleterious factors.

• Intercept Polyethelene Sleeves and CD Storage Boxes: With state of the art protection offered by Intercept, discs can be stored in individual envelopes, foam inserts, or injection molded inserts, which then fit nicely in our CD Storage Boxes.

• Tyvek Envelopes: Tyvek makes an excellent storage material for computer disks and CDs. Our Tyvek envelopes come in various sizes.

What products do you have for Archaeological Artifacts? (back to top)

The Hollinger Archaeological Box is made of 3mm caliper, inert, corrugated polypropylene. It is shipped flat and is easily assembled and comes with a separate 3" lid. The dividers made for use with this box can be used to partition the carton into 9 different configurations.

The Hollinger Bone Box (tan fiberboard) is made with either our tan fiberboard or 4mm, inert, polypropylene and is used by forensic departments and archaeologists to house skeletons and bones.

The Hollinger Archaeological Artifacts Master Carton with Insert Trays is a box with 4 sizes of trays which can be arranged in the master box in a variety of configurations. The master box and trays are make with .060" caliper Hollinger Fiberboard which meets International Organization for Standardization ISO 14523 Standard.

The Hollinger Artifacts Storage Box with Partitions (polypropylene) is perfect for larger items. These boxes are made with either our inert corrugated polypropylene or our buffered archival corrugated board. Both boxes fit well on standard storage shelves and come with 6 piece partition with extra slots to divide the box into numerous configurations. These boxes have hand holes in the bottom ends for ease of use and triple layered panels ensure that the inside of the box is not exposed.

The Hollinger Human Remains Box is a nine piece box made from inert archival polypropylene. The set includes a removable spine box and skull compartment.

Archival Polyethylene Storage Bags are inert, zip lock bags and have a write-on block for easy identification of contents. All sizes are made with 4 mil inert, neutral pH polyethylene.

How can I store Maps of various sizes? (back to top)

Hollinger makes both paper and polyester storage envelopes and folders in various sizes to accommodate maps. We have 4 mil thick Melinex 516 polyester envelopes and L-sleeves up to 36" x 48" as well as both 10PT and 20PT caliper paperboard map folders up to 40" x 60" in dimension. Keep in mind that we can custom cut any size polyester or paperboard folder that would better suit your collection.

How can I store Blueprints? (back to top)

Hollinger Blue Print Storage Boxes can be used to store blueprints, maps, real estate plans or any item which is rolled for storage. We have two stock sizes: 3" x 3" x 36" and 4" x 4" x 48". Feel free to ask for custom sizes.

How should I store Textiles and Quilts? (back to top)

Choose the best quality storage box available. Hollinger "acid-free" Buffered Textile & Quilt Boxes are lignin and sulfur free to provide the best storage protection. Ordinary brown kraft corrugated boxes and many decorative dry cleaner or craft store containers are comprised of poor quality, acidic materials. Physical contact with these acidic materials will cause staining and deterioration of the fibers in the quilt. Hollinger fiberboard and corrugated board have a slightly alkaline pH with a 3% calcium carbonate buffer. This means that the box will retain its own integrity and that the buffering material will neutralize environmental acids. Laboratory aging tests indicate that Hollinger boards will provide archival protection for five centuries. You can also choose a Hollinger Unbuffered Textile Box, which is constructed with acid free polypropylene, an inert material that has maximum chemical stability and the least propensity to chemically react with other substances. Polypropylene can also be dusted, washed and reused. Unbuffered Textile Boxes should be used to store items made of wool, silk, fur and leather.

Boxes protect your quilt from ambient light and airborne contaminants like dust and heating/cooking oils. Ultraviolet rays, found in sunlight and incandescent and fluorescent lights cause fibers to deteriorate. Choose a room with a constant temperature and stable relative humidity (like a bedroom – not an attic or basement) for your storage area. Avoid placing perfume sachets, mothballs, photographs or other artifacts with your quilt.

If you don't wish to fold your quilt, choose a Textile Storage Tube. Many conservators do not like to fold their textiles because of the pressure and distortion that can occur on the folded sections. Long term compression on the inside of the fold can create a setting or creasing of the fabric. The outside fibers stretch around the curve of the fold. Quilting stitches will be more stressed in folded areas. If you choose to fold your quilt, take care to refold it periodically along different lines. Hollinger carries a textile rolling tube with a diameter of 3 inches in lengths up to 120 inches. It is made of a chemically inert polyethylene plastic. If you are currently using a brown kraft tube, you can protect your quilt by wrapping the tube with Tyvek or polyester film before rolling. You may also use several layers of acid free tissue as a barrier. Roll your quilt with the image side out, and consider interleaving it with tissue. Use tissue or Tyvek as a final wrapping layer. Periodically rotate the tube to relieve the flattening effect of shelving pressure.

Support your quilt with acid free Archival Tissue Paper. Use acid free tissue for interleaving or layering to provide the proper pH environment and physical support for your quilt whether it is folded or rolled. Tissue may be purchased in 36 inches x 250 feet rolls or in sheet packs that are 20 inches x 30 inches or 24 inches x 36 inches. Ask a friend to help you. To interleave your quilt, place a bed sheet on the floor. Cut a few sections of tissue slightly longer than your quilt. Overlap the sections slightly. It is best not to attach the lengths together with tape or adhesive because they may contribute an unwanted element to the storage environment. Place the quilt on top of the tissue, face or image side down. Fold the quilt to fit your box size. Loosely wad or crumple tissue to place in the folds. The tissue wadding gives loft or support to the quilt during storage; it helps the quilt resist the pull and set from gravity. To reduce the crimping of fold lines, store only one quilt per box. The weight of added items would compress the folds.

 

What kind of tissue and board: buffered or unbuffered? (back to top)

Buffered tissue is used to provide a suitable alkaline environment for cellulose materials. Use it for interleaving books whose tender spines will not allow much distortion or displacement in the binding structure, which may occur when using thicker sheets. Textiles with linen, cotton or jute fibers will benefit from layering or padding the folds and shaped areas such as bodices or sleeves with buffered tissue.  Use buffered tissue as a final wrapping material for unboxed or rolled items stored on open shelves. This helps to shield the items from light and dust.

Many textile conservators request unbuffered tissue for use with costumes and artifacts comprised primarily of amino acid structure. Furs, feathers, wools, leather and silks are stored with neutral pH materials. Use unbuffered tissue for stuffing shoes, boots, handbags, hats, saddle bags, arrow quivers, etc. The tissue will help support any leather item.

When in doubt regarding the fiber content of your artifact, choose unbuffered materials for storage.

What are the differences between Hollinger archival boards? (back to top)

• Archives Gray/White Board is the material we manufacture for the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration according to NARA specifications. The board is sulfur free with a minimum pH of 8.5 and a 3% calcium carbonate buffer throughout the sheets. Both the gray outer liner and white inner liner are lignin free and conform to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) IT9.2 Standard (Imaging Media--Photographic Processed Films, Plates, and Papers--Filing Enclosures and Storage Containers). The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) accelerated aging tests show that this board will prevent acid migration for at least two centuries. The sheets are 60 point caliper with a gray exterior and white interior. Archives board has a basis weight of 200 lbs. per thousand square feet and a Mullen bursting strength of 240 lbs. per square inch. Archives board boxes are used for the majority of archival storage requirements.

• Hollinger Board is a fully bleached fiberboard, lignin and sulfur free, and conforms to ANSI Standard IT9.2. This material has a minimum pH of 8.5 and a 3% calcium carbonate buffer. The sheets caliper 60 point and are available with a gray exterior and white interior or tan on both sides. Hollinger board has a basis weight of 230 lbs. per thousand square feet and a Mullen bursting strength of 280 lbs. per square inch. Hollinger Board boxes are used for storage of items which are frequently accessed and for larger or heavier items. Hollinger Board is slightly more expensive than Archives Board and the primary difference is that Hollinger Board has a bleached and therefore entirely lignin-free core. In addition, Hollinger Board has a higher basis weight and bursting strength which make it a stronger, more durable board.

• Tan Alpha Cellulose Board is lignin and sulfur free with a a minimum pH of 8.5 and a 3% calcium carbonate buffer. This fiberboard is pure alpha cellulose and conforms to ANSI standard IT9.2. The sheets are tan on both sides and caliper 60 point. Alpha Cellulose board has a basis weight of 275 lbs. per thousand square feet and a Mullen bursting strength of 320 lbs. per square inch. Alpha Cellulose boxes are used for items which require the heaviest and most durable box material. Alpha Cellulose products are not available online. Please call 800-634-0491 to order.

• Hollinger 250#C Archival Unbuffered Corrugated Board has a minimum pH of 7.5, a basis weight of 148 lbs. per thousand square, and a Mullen bursting strength of 250 lbs. per square inch. This material is used for storage of paper documents for up to one century.

• Hollinger 200#C Archival Buffered Corrugated Board is lignin and sulfur free, has a minimum pH of 8.5, a 3% calcium carbonate buffer, and meets the ANSI Standard IT9.2.  This board has a basis weight of 152 lbs. per thousand square feet and a Mullen bursting strength of  200 lbs. per square inch. This material meets the highest archival specifications, and it can be used for any buffered archival storage requirements while providing the additional cushioning of corrugated board. The addition of the calcium carbonate buffer makes this board slightly more expensive than the unbuffered corrugated board.

• Hollinger Inert Polypropylene Corrugated Board is available in 3 mm and 4 mm calipers. These materials are extremely strong and can be cleaned with no negative effect to the board. The inert property of this board makes it ideal for storage of textiles and archaeological items which are made up of organic materials of animal origin such as silk, wool, leather, fur, bone, etc. The material can be dusted, washed and reused without suffering any damage. We also carry large polypropylene textile boxes and the standard 15” x 12” x 10” records storage box made with polypropylene board. We can custom manufacture inert corrugated polypropylene boxes to meet your specific requirements.

Why would I choose Polypropylene Corrugated Board? (back to top)

Hollinger Inert Polypropylene Corrugated Board is available in 3 mm and 4 mm calipers. These materials are extremely strong and can be cleaned with no negative effect to the board. The inert property of this board makes it ideal for storage of textiles and archaeological items which are made of organic materials such as silk, wool, leather, fur, bone, etc. The inert corrugated polypropylene material can be dusted, washed and reused without suffering any damage. We also carry large polypropylene textile boxes and the standard 15” x 12” x 10” records storage box made with polypropylene board. We can custom manufacture inert corrugated polypropylene boxes to meet your specific requirements.

What different ways can I use folder paperboard? (back to top)

Our folder paperboard is available in 7 point, 10 point and 20 point caliper thicknesses. This material is used in manufacturing file folders, map folders, expansion folders, envelopes, four flap enclosures, button & string ties and microfiche boxes. The 10 point and 20 point paperboards are available in sheet sizes for conversion in your workshop.

You can use folder paperboard to construct phase boxes, book wrappers, pamphlet binders, backing sheets, separator sheets, drawer and shelf liners, and drawer trays. When constructing trays or other items requiring an adhesive, use a neutral pH bookbinding glue such as polyvinyl acetate or a neutral pH hot melt acrylic glue. Small bulldog clips can be used to hold tray walls in place until the adhesive sets.

An excellent folder can be constructed using 4 mil polyester and 20 point folder paperboard. First make a polyester folder about an inch larger than the item to be stored. For an 11” x 14” item, a 24” x 15” sheet of 4 mil polyester would be folded in half to make a 12” x 15” folder. Then use 3M number 415 double sided tape to glue an 11.75” x 14.75” sheet of  20 point folder board to one inside half of the folder. When you then place your 11” x 14” item in the folder, it is protected by a buffered folder bottom, while it is still visible through the transparent, inert polyester folder top.

How can I use Bond Paper? (back to top)

All Hollinger papers are lignin and sulfur free. Our buffered papers are 25% cotton. We also carry neutral pH, 100% Cotton Bond Paper in letter and legal size.

Our 20# Hollinger Permanent Bond Paper is buffered with a minimum pH of 8.5, meets ANSI IT9.2 Standards, and is available in nine pre-cut sizes. These provide excellent protection for paper documents and photographs when used as interleaving sheets. Fragile pamphlets and documents can be photocopied onto our paper for patron use when the original is in poor condition or awaiting repair. To reduce wear and tear on original photographic prints, photocopies can be made using Hollinger paper, with the photocopies kept in archival binders for viewing.

Our 65# Cover (not available online, please call 800-634-0491 to order) can be used as backing for maps and oversized documents. Sheets cut to page size can be inserted inside the covers of bound books to protect end papers. The 65# Cover can also be used for call number ID tags. The paper can be cut into strips which are placed inside rare books which would otherwise be disfigured by library marking. Worn book covers can be secured prior to mending by wrapping strips of 65# Cover paper in both directions around the book and securing with double sided tape which contacts the 65# Cover paper only.

 

What are the differences between polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene films? (back to top)

DuPont Melinex 516 is an archival quality polyester film that contains no plasticizers or surface coatings. Like Melinex, untreated polypropylene is inert, and provides excellent archival protection. Many archivists prefer polyester because of its greater stiffness and slightly greater clarity. The advantage of polypropylene and polyethylene is a lower price. These films provide excellent archival protection for documents and photographs while allowing these items to be viewed without removal from the protective storage product.

Our Archival Polyester Enclosures include envelopes, L-sleeves, binder pages, processing folders, map folders, sheets and rolls. Polyester sheets and rolls can be used to make book covers, shelf and drawer covers, slipcases, over wraps and interleaving sheets.

Our Archival Polypropylene Enclosures include sleeves, envelopes, binder pages and pamphlet jackets.

In addition to Archival Polyethylene Photo Envelopes, we also carry a large range of Archival Polyethylene Bags to provide inert archival storage.

How can I protect a book with poly film? (back to top)

Loose Book Wrappers: Square the roll of film against a cutting mat grid. Place the book on top of the film with the bottom of the book along the bottom cut edge of the film. Place the straight edge under the head of the book to mark the cutting line. Carefully remove the book, and make the cut. The long edge of this rectangle ought to be approximately four widths of the book cover plus the spine thickness. The second cut is a right angle down  to the bottom of the sheet. Center the book in the rectangle. Fold the two flaps over the front edges of the book cover, scoring the fold lines if necessary. Loose book wrappers give you visibility for call numbers and titles, handling protection for tender spines and hinges of covers, and prevent shelf friction. Use film for protecting pamphlets by cutting to size and sewing through the back Cut the film slightly wider than the front edges and round the corners.

Slipcases: Cut a polyester film rectangle with a width equal to the outside width of the book. The length should be enough to wrap around the book plus a one inch overlap. Score the film to fit the book’s dimensions. The overlap section can be placed at the top or bottom. Secure the flap with DuPont #415 double coated tape.

How can I use poly film as barrier sheets in older books? (back to top)

Polyester film is a chemically inert barrier that prevents acid migration. Cut sheets to the text block size to insert between acidic turn-ins and text block pages. Many older book boards are very acidic and need to be isolated from the text. Place the polyester film sheets further inside the text, next to the title page and index, to prevent further acid migration. Barrier sheets can be used in books where selected illustrations have been treated with a deacidification spray. Place a polyester sheet on both sides of these pages. Construct simple polyester folders to isolate acidic enclosures that must remain with the book. When rolling paper or textiles, protect the items from possible acidic tubes with a layer of polyester film.

How can I protect fragile or torn papers that are frequently handled? (back to top)

Fragile or torn papers can be protected by cutting and folding polyester film into a simple Processing Folder. By allowing a one inch margin on the three open sides, the natural cling of the polyester will hold the paper in place. Use these folders for photocopying fragile papers or as a temporary support for items awaiting repair.

What other ways can I use poly film? (back to top)

Over wraps: Use polyester film as a final wrapping for rolled textiles, large prints or maps when placed on open shelves in storage areas where tissue may shred or tear. Secure in place with flat woven tapes or ribbons. Oversized books or atlases wrapped in Polyester and stored flat will be protected from abrasion when pulled from stacks. The film surface may scratch, but will retain its inert quality.

Line Wooden Shelves and Drawers: Lining these surfaces will prevent acid migration from the wood.

 

How should I use deacidification spray? (back to top)

Bookkeeper® deacidification spray can extend the lifespan of paper by distributing a buffering agent (magnesium oxide) to counter the effects of naturally occurring acids. Application involves spraying one or both sides of a paper based item with the solution at a suggested distance of six inches. The spray is available in pump and aerosol versions, though the solution can drip from the nozzle unless the bottle is held in an upright position. Make sure the artifact is supported semi-vertically to spray without dripping.

I am teaching an archives workshop. Can Hollinger help? (back to top)

The Hollinger Corporation is committed to educational support for preservation workshops. Please contact us regarding your workshop, and we will provide free catalogs, brochures and samples as required.