Paper storage options

[Jeff-Grant]

Sydney has had a really humid Summer which has given me a number of problems with different papers. I keep all my gear in dehumidifier cabinets as I live about 500 metres from the Pacific. All my paper is stored in a couple of drawers in the original packaging. I don't use any rolls, fortunately.

I'm hunting around for a possible storage solution which lets me control the humidity. The dry cabinets might be OK for A4 but SA3 and A2 would be a challenge. I'm also assuming that paper should be stored flat and not on end.

[Alan Goldhammer]

Yes, paper should be stored flat.  Best solution that I can think of is to purchase a large polyethylene container with a fitted lid.  these containers come in a variety of sizes and are commonly used in the food and baking industry so they won't have any noxious outgassing that might affect the photo paper.  You can control the humidity by putting some silica gel packs in the container.  I'm sure there must be a distributor in Australia that would have the right size box for you needs.

[Jeff-Grant]

Thanks Alan. Food grade plastic containers sounds like a great idea. Most papers are OK so I should only need a couple. I've found a supplier and the boxes even have an O ring.

I was looking at plan cabinets and dehumidifiers so I'm glad that I asked.

[jferrari]

How about an old fridge with some canned desiccant? Put some foam core board on the wire shelves, etc.     - Jim

[Jeff-Grant]

Old fridges are bought back by the government down here, they reclaim the gas, and pay you for it. It beats taking it to the tip yourself.