After nearly ruining an excellent copy of Egg Of The Phoenix I recently purchased (the tape on the poly bag caught the back of the module),
I realized the time has come to start buying some archival media.  My requirements are fairly straightforward, I would like to place the D&D items I own, nothing truly rare or unique, in bags that will protect them and will allow me to have relatively convenient access to when I want to browse.  

After reading the FAQ and a couple of threads on the site, there seems to be two main choices: polyethylene and mylar.  I like the fact that some of the polyethylene bags have a resealable flap; however, it sounds like the mylar (polyester) sleeves offer greater protection but I have yet to locate any which have a resealable type flap.  Possibly they do not exist, but if you are aware of any please let me know.  Since it is more likely that resealable mylars do not exist, does anyone have experience with the resealable polyethylene bags or should they be avoided?  If the resealable media is to be avoided, how does the archival tape work?  Does it only stick to the bag and not paper or is the only advantage of archival tape the fact that it is acid free?  Or is there some other alltogether different solution which will work?  (I am a bit of a klutz so any chance to avoid the Cursed Tape Of Maiming would probably be best.)

I am interested in hearing what others are using and would like to purchase something relatively quickly.  Any personal experience/insight you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  Right now, my collection consists of mainly 1st edition D&D and AD&D modules so what dimension(s) and thickness would be best for these items?  If any Acaeum members sell these via Ebay or their own stores, let me know as I would certainly like to purchase through a respected/known entity.

Many thanks in advance and apologies for such basic questions.

deimos3428 wrote:I'll leave the media questions to the pros, but I'll offer the simplest alternate solution I know:  Tape is cheap.  

If you consistently use the following procedure, you'll be happier:

1. Remove old tape.
2. Open bag and remove contents.
3. Return contents and close bag.
4. Apply new tape.

Wow!    This is a great solution.  I'm embarassed to say I really missed the bleeding obvious!     I guess this is a perfect example of Occam's razor:

1. Remove old tape. (Cut gently with Occam's razor)
2. Open bag and remove contents. (Enjoy sweet D&D goodness)
3. Return contents and close bag. (Gotta get back to work)
4. Apply new tape. (Put away razor.  I am a klutz after all!)

Thanks Deimos. I really appreciate the info.  What are your preferences for media?

Agreed.  I buy all of my storage supplies at the local comic shop.  And boards are essential, no matter what you're bagging (unless it's a hardcover book   ).

As for tape, use the removable kind now available from Scotch.  Wonderful stuff.  

smarmy1 wrote:
Removable Scotch tape -- most excellent.

It's the kind in the blue packaging.  Unlike the regular tape, which is in green packaging.

I'm vastly experienced now, after helping my son build his 5th grade math project (a complete model house)   .

My youngest is really interested in fantasy wargames, so at age 10 I introduced him to HeroScape.

He loves it, he loves the minis, and now he's asking about D&D....

Beyondthebreach wrote:I feel compelled to add that tape isn't necessary at all . . .  Just take the top flap and fold it back, tucking it behind the module and the other side of the bag.

Most tape acccidents will peel off a glossy module no probelm . . . but if you accidentally tape a comic book, you're doomed!  I have 8 boxes of comics  all bagged (and most boarded) and not one single piece of tape to be found!

Same here.  Tucking the flap into the bag prevents the flap and/or tape from getting snagged (and crinkling the bag or tearing the tape) when you pull it/push it back into the bookcase, box, or whatever you store them in.

I have 8 boxes of comics

I have 84 boxes of comics....and at some point over the next year I will be rebagging and reboarding about 50% of them due to age.  I'd pay someone else to do it but I don't trust anyone else to touch them.  

Momentarily off-topic:

Center_Stage_Hobbies wrote:My youngest is really interested in fantasy wargames, so at age 10 I introduced him to HeroScape.

He loves it, he loves the minis, and now he's asking about D&D....

Matt, this is a great suggestion!:D I am sorry to say I had never heard of the game prior to you post , but after doing a quick google on 'HeroScape' this looks perfect.  With soccer season wrapping up today, this looks like a fun way to start fantasy wargaming with my kids. Many thanks.  

And now, back to the regularly scheduled thread.