Preservation: Keep Your Ink Alive
UV light, humidity and acid are the enemies. Here is how to fight them.
Light is the enemy
Ultraviolet light fades ink — especially felt-tip markers. Display pieces behind UV-filtering glass or acrylic and away from direct sunlight. Rotate your displays.
Acid-free everything
Use acid-free, archival-quality mats, sleeves and backing boards. Standard cardboard and some plastics release chemicals that yellow paper and degrade ink over time.
Stable climate
Keep collections in a cool, dry place with stable humidity. Attics and basements are the worst places for autographs.
Baseballs and objects
Store signed balls in UV-protected cubes and avoid handling the signature panel. Oils from fingers can damage ink.
Keep reading
First Cast: A Beginner’s Guide to Autograph Collecting
Pick a focus, set a budget and learn the vocabulary before you buy.
Spotting a Forgery: Authentication Fundamentals
Line quality, pressure and exemplars — the skills every collector needs.
Collecting as an Investment: What to Know
Liquidity, condition and demand — a realistic view of autographs as assets.