How to Refurbish Magazines?

Dust magazines with an air duster intended for computer keyboards. If the magazine paper is fragile, hold the air duster about 1 foot away from the pages. If the magazine smells musty or unpleasant, open the pages of the magazine near an electric fan on a low setting where it will be exposed to gently moving air, but not to direct sunlight. An open window will accomplish the same thing. When the magazine is thoroughly aired, the odor will be gone or reduced.

Examine the condition of the magazine for major flaws and determine the purpose for which the item will be preserved. If it is to be sold, do not repair it, or remove mailing labels or library stamps If it is to be kept in a personal collection, use archival tape to mend tears. A loose cover may be repaired by taping it verticallly along the fold.

Flatten the magazine pages and the cover by pressing the whole item under clean, heavy books for several days until curled areas are flat. Be sure to flatten the corners carefully before weighting them. Insert acid-free buffer or separater pages around any especially important photographs, prints or advertisements.

Slip each magazine into its own protective sleeve. These are manufactured to fit nearly every size periodical and must be made of acid-free material. In addition, each magazine should be supported by a backer board made of acid-free cardboard or vinyl.

Store a collection of periodicals in acid-free boxes in dry areas away from direct sunlight. They may be stored flat or supported vertically with separators in the box.