| Numerous collectors are interested in collecting | | | | albums and holders have certain additives that make |
| albums and old postcards. Antique postcards have | | | | them softer and pliable. Eventually these additives |
| gained popularity in the past few years because | | | | may break down from the plastic and form acidic oil. |
| those kinds of messages and layouts have almost | | | | Damage might show itself in the form of lifting of |
| disappeared. Most collectors see to it that they store | | | | inks causing discoloration of cards and deterioration |
| and display their collection in the best possible way. In | | | | of postcard paper. The effect of acid may continue |
| the process of doing so, however, they sometimes | | | | even after the antique postcard is taken out of the |
| cause serious damage to their antique postcards. | | | | folder or album. Plastics and papers that are free |
| Antique postcards need to be preserved in such a | | | | from these compounds are made from triacetate, |
| way to reduce damage caused by the environment | | | | polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or unplasticized |
| and handling. It should be ensured that no damaging | | | | polyvinylchloride. As none of the plastics are truly |
| chemicals come in contact to the documents being | | | | time-tested, in spite of the claims made by the |
| stored. | | | | manufacturers, it is recommended that the material |
| Collectors should ensure that the openings of albums | | | | used for archival storage should be replaced once or |
| and holders are larger in size than the postcards. | | | | twice every 50 years. Acid from paper used for |
| Otherwise, postcards might get damaged or get a | | | | storage supplies can also cause discoloration or |
| crease, or their corners might bend while being | | | | deterioration of cards. Both types of damage are |
| inserted or removed from the album pages. Album | | | | permanent. |
| pages and the holders should be stiff enough to | | | | It is also recommended to keep a watch on the |
| protect the collection from any kind of mishandling. | | | | climate or temperature under which cards are stored. |
| Postcards might get damaged if chemicals used to | | | | Excessive heat and humidity can speed up the |
| manufacture plastic and paper react with antique | | | | process of deterioration. The collection should be |
| cards. Most plastics used to manufacture these | | | | stored in cool and dry places only. |