NumisDave Posted August 31, 2014 Report Share Posted August 31, 2014 Hi I recently acquired a second hand banknote album. When examining the pages against the light to see if I wanted to reuse them for UNC banknotes, I noticed what seemed to be a faint "oily film" on the plastic - I'm assuming it is "oily" as it reminds me of oil on water. I have attached a photo but not sure how clear it is as I have had to shrink it to upload. Out of interest, I also examined my expensive Lindner pages against the light - and the "oily film" appears on there too. I have also done this with other album pages (including new versions of the 2nd hand ones I bought) and not seen the "oily film". What is this film (e.g. is it a natural by-product of the manufacture), is it safe for banknotes (it is on my Lindner pages after all) and if not, do all non-archival plastics eventually get this oily film? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave M Posted September 3, 2014 Report Share Posted September 3, 2014 My fresh-out-of-the-package Mylar holders have this same color to them. They don't feel "oily" though, to me it just looks like an effect from lighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NumisDave Posted September 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2014 Thanks Dave M for your reply. I have since looked at various other sheets (including Lighthouse Grande (PET?!) and 100% polypropylene pages) and seen the effect there too. It is probably (hopefully!) nothing of concern particularly if you can also see it on Mylar holders. I'm still searching for archival quality album pages (not holders) so if anyone out there has recommendations, please post! I would have gone with Lindner for my expensive notes, but reference on their website that pages are made out of "hard PVC" makes me a little wary. The obvious solution is to use Mylar holders and insert them into the pages, but on the holders I use (Lighthouse 100% polyester) it did seem to cut down the visual appearance, so my preference is just to use one holder, ideally the album page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexC Posted September 16, 2014 Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 A lot of Mylar/ poly materials have this oily substance. I don't think it will damage anything though. I have comic books in Mylar bags from years ago and they are fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookey Posted October 13, 2014 Report Share Posted October 13, 2014 The obvious solution is to use Mylar holders and insert them into the pages, but on the holders I use (Lighthouse 100% polyester) it did seem to cut down the visual appearance, so my preference is just to use one holder, ideally the album page. I have to ask, sorry if asking the obvious, you did peel off the protective film? I have nearly overlooked this since it is written in a very small print and it is not very visible that this layer should be peeled off. I'm using the same setup and the difference in holders (lighthouse premium) and without them is barely noticeable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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