Over time, many papers and boards will become acidic and brittle with age. The acidity will transfer to adjacent objects causing these objects to become weaker and possibly discolored. Clean undyed cotton sheeting can be used for storage and recycled because the acid can be dissolved and the sheets washed.
Alternatively, acid free tissue papers are especially processed to remove such contaminants. Some acid free papers are, in addition, buffered to an alkaline pH. These buffered papers are considered acceptable for cotton or linen textiles, but potentially harmful to silk or wool objects.
For large collections, it is suggested that a neutral pH, unbuffered acid free tissue paper be purchased for general textile or costume storage. An 18 pound weight paper is useful for quilts, coverlets, and the storage of other flat textiles. For storing costumes or other items, some "stuffing" or interleaving may be necessary to maintain a three dimensional shape or to prevent abrasion between textile surfaces. For these purposes, a lighter 12 or 10 pound paper is suggested. There are also acid free separating papers called "interleaving tissue" and another, very smooth “glassine paper.”
These acid free tissue papers can be obtained as flat pieces 32" x 40" or on rolls 3’-5’ wide x 250' long. A roll of paper is economical and easier to store than flat sheets if a quantity of textiles needs to be packed for storage or if the textiles are larger than 32" x 40". The suppliers of archival materials listed here supply acid free papers and boxes.
Cautionary Notes:
Cotton sheeting and the acid free papers used primarily by “mixed climate” museums (New York, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis) with cold, dry winters or “desert,” dry ones (Los Angeles) where the cotton fibers are protective. However, they can be an expensive and largely inappropriate expense for sub-tropical climates (Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Puerto Rico). There such papers and board containers should be used sparingly to forestall mold. For some people, with smaller heirloom collections, smaller sheet quantities of acid free paper are less expensive and more helpful.
If you only need butcher block paper (temporary for photography or drawer liner/shelf paper for 1-2 years) sources like Grainger Butcher & Freezer Paper - Grainger Industrial Supply or from a restaurant supply company Butcher Paper Rolls | Butcher Block Paper (webstaurantstore.com) may be practical. alternatives.
List of Suppliers: Be sure to inquire about the cost of handling & shipping, as paper materials can be bulky and expensive to ship long distances.
Conservation Resources International
5532 Port Royal Road
Lorton, VA 22079
Tel: 800-634-6932
https://www.conservationresources.com
Gaylord Bros.
Box 4901
Syracuse, New York 13221-4901
Tel: 800-448-6160
https://www.gaylord.com
Hollinger Metal Edge (East Coast)
9401 Northeast Drive
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408
Tel: 800-634-0491
https://www.hollingermetaledge.com
Talas
330 Morgan Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Tel: 212-219-0770
https://talasonline.com
University Products
517 Main Street
Holyoke, Massachusetts 01041
Tel: 800-628-1912
https://www.universityproducts.com
Museum Conservation Institute. Smithsonian Institution. 2022