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How to Preserve Postcards

For someone who has an extensive collection of postcards, proper maintenance is important. Postcards are made of semi-thick paper, which can easily tear or become worn. The right archiving system will preserve postcards so they don't become bent or damaged. It will also display the collection for all to see.

Things You'll Need

Card holder sheets
Album

Instructions

- 1
  Find three-ring card holder sheets that are made of triacetate, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene or UPVC. Avoid plastic card holder sheets, which contain chemicals that will eventually strip the postcards of their color. Check office supply or craft stores.
- 2
  Make sure the card holder openings are bigger than the actual postcard. If the card holder opening is the same size as the postcard, postcards could easily become damaged when they are being put in or taken out.
- 3
  Place one postcard into each individual card holder slot.
- 4
  Place the card holder sheets into a three-ring album.
- 5
  Store the album on a high shelf, where it won't get crushed. Make sure it's located in a spot that is out of direct sunlight.

Postcard Collecting