Hello Members,

I am very new to the forum, in fact this is the first and probably only one that I will ever join. I have had the pleasure of interacting with some of you via eBay, but I thought that I might give you all a little background about my D&D days before asking my question, so you know about my gaming roots.

I actually started in the summer of 1976 with the White Box edition, as my friend's older brother had a friend, who was really into various games, especially Cross of Iron, Squad Leader, etc. One day he brought Empire of the Petal Throne, but that did not last too long with us, as he next brought this game called Dungeons & Dragons. We used the EoPT maps for the D&D world, even though we had the Outdoor Survival game, as recommended by TSR. Needless to say, my friend & I were hooked and I played/DM'd all through high school & college. Even having created new systems and worlds over the course of time.

On to my questions, at long last    I have a collection of Dragons (#60 thru #300), Dungeons (#1 thru #100), Polyhedrons (#1 thru #120), all of which are due to subscriptions, and a littany of boxed sets, modules, and rule books. I would like to know the best way to keep these items in their current condition. What are the real differences between Mylar & Polypropylene bags, the benefits of Acid Free Boards, and what should be used with magazines versus modules versus rule books, etc.???

I have always been very particular about my collection and I was the first one in my group to find and buy clear Vinyl covers for my rule books. My 3rd/4th/5th printings of MM, PHB, & DMG are still in VF+ condition, as well as my 1st print of D&DG. I have been expanding my collection & filling some holes, but I want to eliminate the threat of mildew, mold, staple rust, and yellowing of pages. I have found, on rare ocassion, some stains appear from nowhere and the start of some staple rust. I hope that some of you out there can impart your first hand experiences & wisdom to me, so that I can protect these nostaglic treasures of a truly wondrous time.

Sincerest Thanks,

KoP89, thank you very much for the link to that page, but I had already read all of that information, which is what has prompted my question.

I was hoping that someone out there has had "practical experience" with the various methods of storage and could recommend certain strategies and warn against others. Unfortunately, I do not believe everything I read, so I tend to verify what I have read by going to people who have had actual experience with the subject.

Please let me know what any of you have learned, as I would like to be able to undertake the task of "Proper Storage" over the holidays.

Sincerest Thanks,

Thanks BeyondtheBreach, I appreciate the link and the insight, as I was going to buy some Mylar bags, but was unsure if they were really worth it.

BeyondtheBreach Wrote:

Make sure they aren't in a humid environment (like a basement)

Like FLORIDA    

Fortunately I have a room designated as a game room with all of my softcovers lying flat and boxed sets & rule books standing on shelves.

Thanks Again,

Hey BClarkie,

Thanks for welcoming me aboard . . . it is really appreciated  

As for the links, they were a good read and it seems people were inclined to get Mylar for their collections and probably use Polypropylene for items they sell online. Do you have a preference or experience with these materials?

After bagging them, I would be inclined to lay them flat as you said, but not stacked so high as to cause any crushing. Currently, my mags are stacked 12 to 20 in stack, depending on their thickness, while my modules are laying flat and spread out over several shelves, like a deck of cards spread out so that I can see the corner of each, from A1 thru X13.

BTW, my signature quote is how my second D&D character died   , which prompted a chorus of "Well I saw the thing coming out of the darkenss, It had one long horn and one big eye, I commenced to shakin' and I said oo-sh*t, It looks like a purple Paladin eater to me, It was a one-eyed one-horned purple Paladin eater, Sure looks good to me"    Needless to say, we had a sick bunch, but we were only 11 or 12 years old at the time.

Thanks,

Bags Unlimited is fine.  I also like http://the2buds.com/

Compare prices, obviously.


Mylar is overkill except for the most expensive items.  What issues of Dragon and Dungeon did you get?

Bags, maybe boards, and boxes will do just fine for those.


Personally, I don't care for the resealable bags.  I use Scotch Removable Tape - works great.

Anyone ever try BCW products?  
** expired/removed eBay auction **

Guy Fullerton wrote:Yeah, I use them for some of my stuff. You can pick them up much cheaper than that auction. I usually spend $5-$7 for a bag of 100 from a local comic shop.

That auction is for 1,000 bags, or 10 packs of 100, for $54.99.  Not that ridiculous.

** eBay auction listing blocked.  Please enable cookies in your browser for this site and for eBay! **





With shipping about $17 For 100 bags.

With shipping you loose money here, but you dont have to store 1000 bags.

Counting shiping costs, you can spend half as much at most comics stores.



Anyone want to go in with me on one of the Magazine sized 1000 bag listings?

I've done a thread search and didn't find the answer:

Does it matter "much" which side of a backing board faces the back of the module? i.e., one side is glossy; the other side, not so much. Not sure whether having the latter touch the module contributes to degrading.

All my stuff is in bags and boards. I'm wondering if it's worth going through hundreds of items to make sure the "proper" side is facing the module.