Why does Bill Cole Enterprises emphasize preservation of comic book collections over other types of paper collectibles?
BCE has been selling to comic book collectors for over 34 years. As a result, comic book collectors are well aware of the value of Mylar® for the proper preservation of their collections.


If you are using an Arklite™, is it counterproductive to use a non-acid-free backing board?
Yes! A non-acid-free board is simply that. The acids that are in the cardboard will migrate onto the comic book and start the disintegration process. With our high purchasing power, we have been able to price our 24 mil acid-free boards at about the same price as non-acid-free boards.


I have seen advertisements for bags that are advertised as archival safe, yet do not look or feel like your Mylar® sleeves.
Although there are no formal standards for the term archival, we follow the specifications and guidelines of the US Library of Congress when it comes to polyester film sleeves. Never buy preservation sleeves that are not manufactured from either Mylar® type D or Melinex® 516.


Are acid-free boxes really necessary when the comics are stored in Mylar®?
Yes! Non-acid-free boxes are manufactured out of various grades of Kraft paper which is highly acidic. Eventually those acids will migrate onto the surface of the book.


Does it matter what size bag and board you use? Such as putting a Silver Age book into a Golden Age bag?
It really doesn't matter. It is a personal choice. Some collectors want a tight fit, others want to have a little more room all the way around. Either way will not have any appreciable effect on the protection.


I cannot afford to deacidify my books. Is there something else I can do?
Yes! Our Life-X-Tenders™, which have a sheet of activated charcoal, are the closest you can get to deacidification without actually deacidifying the book. The charcoal sheet absorbs and dissipates the contaminants in the atmosphere to protect the book against deterioration.


Have there been any problems associated with your Life-X-Tenders™?
Of all the Life-X-Tenders™ sold, we have never heard of one problem associated with them. The active preservation qualities were originally estimated at between four and five years. Not only have they not shown damage since 1991, we can now say that the Life-X-Tender™ has shown the characteristics of being a deacidifier.


I have been using poly bags that came with some of the books that were purchased at my comic store. How often should they be changed?
We have heard horror stories from collectors who, after only one month, have seen their bags and comics turn yellow. If poly bags are all you can afford, then they should be changed at a minimum of every five to six months. This, however, can cost more than if you initially put them into Mylar®, which never have to be changed.


What type of tape should be used to seal bags?
We only recommend a tape that is acid free. However, this can become costly. We have been experimenting with a removable tape that is acid neutral and will pass on the results as soon as the testing has been completed. Do not use tape unless it can be removed easily.