File Cabinets

[Neo]

In the May 2015 thread, there is some talk about file cabinets, and I said:

Re: the wood vs. metal file cabinet debate, one of most important things is that the paint is non off-gassing.  Most average to high end metal file cabinets have that type of paint or powder coating, and of course if it's wood and not painted, that's not an issue.

I found this article from the National Park Service:
http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/MHi/CHAP7.pdf

From Page 13:


From Page 14: In the highlighted text, one of the requirements is that wood cabinets are not used:

[erik1925]

Good info there, Brandon!

 

[CSM]

My fears seem to be well-founded

[Neo]

Thanks, Jeff.

My fears seem to be well-founded

Why is wood better for paper?  Yes I know paper is essentially wood pulp. 

But is there not a concern about latent acids in the wood fibres or bugs being attracted to the wood?

Yep.  Good call.

[marklawd]

I consider wooden flat files to be more attractive items of furniture but my paper conservator advised me years ago to use polyester (mylar) pockets as a barrier between the poster and the wood because of the presence of potentially harmful acids. I have always followed this advice.

Mark

[erik1925]

And metal would look nice in a more industrial kind of setting.. painted to whatever color was wanted or suitable.

So very handy. And the way to go.

[guest4955]

After I consigned my entire poster collection to EMP, I no longer needed my poster cabinet.

I listed it in the "free" section of Craigslist. I was expecting no to little interest but got over 50 requests for it in 24 hours.

The first two chumps who showed up to get it were totally overwhelmed by its size and just gave up!

I wish I still had it: