1Evelyn2108
Hi folks,
Does anyone here use any sort of protective spray for their slipcases?
Slipcases used to be mostly simple cardboard boxes, but so many editions these days are beautiful. I’m thinking Dune, the new Jane Austen books, the slip case my for new Tales of ancient Egypt is gorgeous, etc...
Should I spray them with krylon or something similar to prevent them getting scratched? Does anyone else do this?
My books come on and off the shelves frequently, and my children read them as well. Would love to maintain them as nicely as possible while still enjoying them.
Thanks,
Evelyn
Does anyone here use any sort of protective spray for their slipcases?
Slipcases used to be mostly simple cardboard boxes, but so many editions these days are beautiful. I’m thinking Dune, the new Jane Austen books, the slip case my for new Tales of ancient Egypt is gorgeous, etc...
Should I spray them with krylon or something similar to prevent them getting scratched? Does anyone else do this?
My books come on and off the shelves frequently, and my children read them as well. Would love to maintain them as nicely as possible while still enjoying them.
Thanks,
Evelyn
2SF-72
That's one of the disadvantages of the missing shrinkwrap. I used to just remove the plastic from the opening and leave the rest as is. It provides really good protection to the slipcases.
That being said: I'd be very uncomfortable with spraying anything on a cardboard slipcase. I imagine that damage could occur like that. My only experience is with artwork on paper, and there it's always risky to use any kind of protective spray.
That being said: I'd be very uncomfortable with spraying anything on a cardboard slipcase. I imagine that damage could occur like that. My only experience is with artwork on paper, and there it's always risky to use any kind of protective spray.
3ubiquitousuk
I wrap my books in Mylar jackets but don't bother trying to protect the slipcases. However, I did once receive a book whose previous owner had made a protective mylar cover for the slipcase as well. This has the advantage of being archival and completely removable. I'm just not sure I would spend the time doing this for a book of this value.
4abysswalker
From my perspective, the slipcase is to protect the book, even if it is decorative. I don't mind if some minor shelf wear accrues. And, anecdotally, the market doesn't seem to mind either in terms of resale, assuming its not something like an ostentatious scratch or dramatic sunning.
That said, I think the best approach for a book that you really want to keep pristine including the slipcase would be to create a simple secondary enclosure of some kind, such as an appropriately sized acid-free box. An unused scarf works as well, for books stored horizontally.
Sunlight is the real killer (of slipcases as well as books proper), so you might get a better return on effort by making sure to store such books in cabinets with doors. Doing so also helps protect against dust, which is not a major threat but is an abrasive.
That said, I think the best approach for a book that you really want to keep pristine including the slipcase would be to create a simple secondary enclosure of some kind, such as an appropriately sized acid-free box. An unused scarf works as well, for books stored horizontally.
Sunlight is the real killer (of slipcases as well as books proper), so you might get a better return on effort by making sure to store such books in cabinets with doors. Doing so also helps protect against dust, which is not a major threat but is an abrasive.
6kdweber
So lets see, I’ll protect my book by having a dust jacket which needs to be protected with Mylar safely ensconced in a slipcase protected by a solander box. Got it.
7agitationalporcelain
>6 kdweber:
Then bury the solander box in the ground - one can't be too careful.
Then bury the solander box in the ground - one can't be too careful.
8ironjaw
>7 agitationalporcelain: well entombed in 12 feet of concrete to make sure it can withstand a nuclear strike at least 100 meters underground
9treereader
>8 ironjaw:
Ok, show of hands: How many of us already have underground fallout shelter super libraries?
Ok, show of hands: How many of us already have underground fallout shelter super libraries?
10ironjaw
>9 treereader: if I had a house it would be this first project to construct in place (yup my niece calls me paranoid) but I would stock it with a full library along with provisions. Loneliness? What loneliness. I wouldn’t even realise the days go buy.
11agitationalporcelain
>9 treereader:
It's slipcases all the way down.
It's slipcases all the way down.
12agitationalporcelain
>10 ironjaw: You don't need a house if like me you've already got your library waiting in your rocket ready for the escape plan into space.
Though I concede that currently I'm keeping the rocket underground until I'm ready for blast off.
Though I concede that currently I'm keeping the rocket underground until I'm ready for blast off.
13A.Godhelm
I've never felt the need to protect the slipcase from just sitting in the bookcase. It's there to absorb mild scuffs.
I see light as a real enemy however. Windows and glass doors on the bookcase cut down on the UV light but doesn't remove it. However there is film you can apply to windows that cuts down on nearly all UV light (it's still transparent). You could also use solid doors as abysswalker suggests but then you don't get to casually look at your collection which is right out for me.
I see light as a real enemy however. Windows and glass doors on the bookcase cut down on the UV light but doesn't remove it. However there is film you can apply to windows that cuts down on nearly all UV light (it's still transparent). You could also use solid doors as abysswalker suggests but then you don't get to casually look at your collection which is right out for me.
14ironjaw
>13 A.Godhelm: I’ve got Ikea Billy. They used to sell full covered doors instead of the half glass half covered doors I have now. That was the best bet but they have to for now. Yes, UV Film is something I need to buy.
