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Topic: Silica Gel + Film Storage - Any Advice?

Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted August 03, 2006 01:32 PM

A couple of years ago I had a minor trauma with condensation mould on a handful of my valuable films which were temporarily stored badly (caused by excess humidity - luckily the bulk of my collection was stored elsewhere at the time and more safely).

Since then, I have taken a very cautionary approach to the storage of all my films and their equally valuable boxes, some of which are, of course, 25+ years old.

One thing I do is put a few satchets of silica gel in the film cabinets to deal with any excess moisture (although recently the room is treated with a de-humidifier that keeps relative humidity to 30-40%; yep, I love those babies that much [Wink]

).

I don't really know how long those little packets of silica gel are effective for or whether they are worth bothering with or not...just wondered if anyone else had more knowledge in this area?

As an aside, I recently I aquired a batch of old cinema posters and these had signs of mould on them. After cleaning them, I'd like to re-box them and perhaps stick a few silica gel packets in to prevent any more potential moisture getting to them.

Anyone know if this is a good idea or not [Confused]

Also, since I just get these silica gel satchets out of the boxes of other appliances I've bought, I wonder (if people think they are a good idea) does anyone know a source of buying them new and in bulk???

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Jean-Marc Toussaint
Film God

Posts: 2392
From: France
Registered: Oct 2004

posted August 04, 2006 04:08 AM

Rob, I have a collection of vintage film posters (some are really, really old) and my most precious ones have been linen-backed. Those that I don't hang are kept rolled in a dark and dry attic.

I contacted a company a few months ago about the little silica-gel packets. They told me that efficiency was one year maximum for the larger ones.

If you google "silica gel", I'm sure you'll find a company near you.

--------------------
The Grindcave Cinema Website

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Craig Hamilton
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 501
From: Luton
Registered: Sep 2004

posted August 04, 2006 05:13 AM

An alternative method is to make up little bags of dry rice & use them as well. Wrap the rice in small lint free bundles; they can also last up to a year.

Craig

--------------------
I dream of becoming a dealer!!!!!!
Is Perry's Movies for Sale.

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Tony Milman
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1336
From: United Kingdom
Registered: Jun 2003

posted August 04, 2006 08:57 AM

I think you can re-use the bags of silica gel by GENTLY heating in an oven to dry out. If you can get some of the lab grade silica gel it often has an indicator built into it that changes colour to advise when it needs dealing with.

Here is an example for the UK

Drying tonight

--------------------
Tony

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David Brooks
Junior
Posts: 16
From: League City, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 2006

posted August 09, 2006 04:21 PM

Silica Gel packs absorve water mosture. You might also want to use molecular sieves packs for absorbing acetic acid (VS) with your films.

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Dave Brooks

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Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted August 11, 2006 03:41 AM

Craig, I might try your idea with the rice having done a bit of research and discovered the cost of new silica gel packets!!!

Jean-Marc, I also read that you can gently heat the packets to remove collected moisture and then re-use them, although whether or not they are quite as effective I don't know...

Tony, thanks, I found that site as well which is really helpful; just wish they didn't cost quite so much [Roll Eyes]

David, yep, sieves for VS are always a good idea with suspect films (if you can find someone that actually has them in stock here in the UK).

Really I was looking at silica gel packets just to keep in the cupboard with the films to protect the boxes as well as the film itself; I think silica gel is a pretty good choice as it doesn't produce any potentially harmful chemicals of its own.

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David Brooks
Junior
Posts: 16
From: League City, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 2006

posted August 12, 2006 11:32 AM

Hi Rob,

I found a location in London you might try and contact for molecular sieves. I now nothing about them - found them doing a google search.

http://www.molsieves.com/ is there website.
best

--------------------
Dave Brooks

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Rob Young.
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1633
From: Cheshire, U.K.
Registered: Dec 2003

posted August 26, 2006 04:03 PM

Thanks, David, I'll have a look at that...sorry for delay in replying, I have been a bit busy this month and am just catching up!

I should add that I do know our friend Phil Sheard at "Classic Home Cinema" does sometimes stock the VS sieves but I think they sell out quite fast when he gets them.

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