semi-OT: CD archival storage warning

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ralf R. Radermacher
  • Start date Start date
R

Ralf R. Radermacher

I've been making backup copies of my film scans on CD-R for years. I
keep them in individual paper sleeves which I buy from a local CD
manufacturing outfit. The kind often used for commercial software, white
paper, transparent circular window on the front side, and a
self-adhesive flap at the top. Always liked this neat solution with the
CDs stored in cardboard boxes so one can easily flip through them.

Now, I'm discovering that after a few years the part of the CD that's
been next to the self-adhesive flap at the top of the sleeve shows a
distinct brownish colouring. Obviously something has evaporated from the
adhesive and penetrated the top-coating of the CD because I can't wipe
it off.

Some, but fortunately not all of the CDs have become unreadable in this
area.

Just thought I'd give out a warning, in case someone else has had the
same idea...

Ralf
 
Ralf R. Radermacher said:
I've been making backup copies of my film scans on CD-R for years. I
keep them in individual paper sleeves which I buy from a local CD
manufacturing outfit. The kind often used for commercial software, white
paper, transparent circular window on the front side, and a
self-adhesive flap at the top. Always liked this neat solution with the
CDs stored in cardboard boxes so one can easily flip through them.

Now, I'm discovering that after a few years the part of the CD that's
been next to the self-adhesive flap at the top of the sleeve shows a
distinct brownish colouring. Obviously something has evaporated from the
adhesive and penetrated the top-coating of the CD because I can't wipe
it off.

Some, but fortunately not all of the CDs have become unreadable in this
area.

Just thought I'd give out a warning, in case someone else has had the
same idea...

Ralf
Click to expand...
If just never fancy the idea of gummed stuff near anything important
so if I have any paper sleeves like that I either give them away or
use them for sending through mail. Have you tried the ones which are
clear plastic on the front and a kind of soft stuff at the back? A
little like the inserts in CD pouches, no adhesive etc and reasonably
priced usually. I think they are classed as cloth lined safety
sleeves. prices vary depending on manufacturers etc.
 
Ralf R. Radermacher said:
I've been making backup copies of my film scans on CD-R for years. I
keep them in individual paper sleeves which I buy from a local CD
manufacturing outfit. The kind often used for commercial software, white
paper, transparent circular window on the front side, and a
self-adhesive flap at the top. Always liked this neat solution with the
CDs stored in cardboard boxes so one can easily flip through them.

Now, I'm discovering that after a few years the part of the CD that's
been next to the self-adhesive flap at the top of the sleeve shows a
distinct brownish colouring. Obviously something has evaporated from the
adhesive and penetrated the top-coating of the CD because I can't wipe
it off.

Some, but fortunately not all of the CDs have become unreadable in this
area.

Just thought I'd give out a warning, in case someone else has had the
same idea...

Ralf

--
Ralf R. Radermacher - DL9KCG - Köln/Cologne, Germany
private homepage: http://www.fotoralf.de
manual cameras and photo galleries - updated Jan. 10, 2005
Contarex - Kiev 60 - Horizon 202 - P6 mount lenses
Click to expand...



Hi.

Sensible warning to all, but the fault is not so much in the sleeves, it is
the leaving them for a few years. Your archives should be rotated onto new
media fairly often, probably no later than 1 or 2 years.

Roy G
 
Now, I'm discovering that after a few years the part of the CD that's
been next to the self-adhesive flap at the top of the sleeve shows a
distinct brownish colouring. Obviously something has evaporated from the
adhesive and penetrated the top-coating of the CD because I can't wipe
it off.
Click to expand...

Ralf, are you saying the gummed flap was tucked in so that the gum was
directly touching the CD, or was the gummed flap outside the envelope and
not touching the CD?
 
Wayne said:
Ralf, are you saying the gummed flap was tucked in so that the gum was
directly touching the CD, or was the gummed flap outside the envelope and
not touching the CD?
Click to expand...

The latter. No direct contact to the CD.

Ralf
 
Wayne said:
I was hoping the other way :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for your sympathy, Wayne. As if having a long holiday weekend
completely ruined by rain wasn't bad enough.

Ralf
 
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