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With a background in archives, I’ve picked up plenty of practical knowledge on how to care for magazines. Here’s my guide for how you can care for yours!
Intro: Ephemera
The most important thing to know about magazines is that they're a type of ephemera, items originally made for short-term use. Pages are thin and tear easily, the dyes are inexpensive and fade quickly, and the covers scratch easily due to their delicate coating and glossy finish. Magazines are not "built to last".
However, this does not mean that with a little extra care, we can't keep our magazine collections in good condition!
Practical Advice
Seals and Sleeves
Most magazines are not distributed sealed, though some may arrive in cheap plastic packaging that contains harmful plasticisers, which can damage dyes, inks, and paper over time. I recommend always removing any original seals from your magazines.
To protect them from dust, dirt, and moisture while avoiding plasticisers, use archival-grade sleeves made of chemically stable plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester, and avoid PVC. Using a sleeve with a non-adhesive flap allows easy access and keeps harmful glues away from the magazine.
All Wonybara Magazines are shipped in 100-micron uncoated polyethylene archival sleeves.
Sunlight Exposure
Here’s an example of how prolonged indirect sunlight faded the colours of the spines of my Annyeongz IZ*ONE magazines (printed 2021). Even though I’m a second-hand owner, it’s clear to see how the magazine has deteriorated since it came into my possession.
Ideally, magazines are best stored away from light, such as in closed bookcases or boxes. But let’s be realistic - what’s the point of collecting magazines if you can’t see them?
It’s important to distinguish between display and long-term storage. For magazines on display, try to rotate them regularly to minimise fading, avoid direct sunlight, and reduce exposure with blinds or curtains whenever possible.
~ More tips coming soon ~
Final Thoughts
Whilst magazine care matters, enjoyment comes first. There's no single 'right way', so don't stress! Thanks for reading, and I hope these tips helped!
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