• FAQ's – Binders and Albums

    Q: What’s the safest binder for preserving family photos? For long-term safety, Archival Methods makes archival-grade binders designed to protect photos and documents from harmful acids, lignin, and environmental pollutants.
    • Our binders are acid-free, lignin-free, buffered, and pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT), which means they’re safe for photographic prints and ephemera.
    • Covered in library-quality buckram or Arlington book cloth, a Binder Box or Collector Grade Binder with Slipcase protects your collections from dust and environmental pollutants.
    Best Archival Methods options for photo preservation:
    • Collector Grade 3- Ring Binder with Slipcase is a top choice. It combines an archival-safe binder with a black slipcase that helps block light, dust, and pests. Two ring sizes, 1.5'' and 2.5'' D-rings, hold (prints, documents, or memorabilia) securely, and the slipcase adds an extra layer of protection.
    • Collector Grade Narrow Binder – A slightly smaller binder option (narrower format) that’s excellent for photo pages up to 8-1/2 W × 11-3/4 H — great for 4 x 6 and smaller family photographs.
    • 11 x 17 Collector Grade Binder and Slipcase – A larger format horizontal binder with slipcase for bigger prints, documents, or oversized family memorabilia.
    • Archival Methods Binder Boxes – Combines binder functionality with box-style protection, excellent protection from dust and light.
    Tip: These binders work with 3-Ring Binder Pages (sold separately) so each print stays protected and supported inside the binder.
    Q:Do you have archival binders that won’t off-gas or damage documents? Yes — all Archival Methods binders are specifically made to avoid harmful off-gassing and long-term degradation: they use archival board with low sulfur adhesives, durable construction, PAT-passed materials, and buffered paper linings to protect the contents.
    • Binders with Slipcases and Binder Boxes help keep out dust and environmental pollutants.
    • Archival Methods binders are ideal for photos, documents, ephemera, slides, and certificates because they are designed and constructed for long-term preservation.
      • If you’re concerned about off-gassing or damage, choose one of our high-quality archival binders and pair it with acid-free binder pages and inserts.
    Q:How do I organize my genealogy records in a long-lasting binder system? Here’s how to set up a durable, archival binder system using Archival Methods products:
    Step 1 — Pick the Right Binder
    Choose a binder size based on how large your genealogy documents are:
    • Collector Grade Binder and Slipcase — Excellent all-purpose choice for a wide range of documents & photos.
    • Collector Grade Narrow Binder — Great for smaller notebooks, certificates, or photos.
    • Legal Collector Grade Binder & Slipcase — Best if you have legal-size documents.
    • 11 x 17 Collector Grade Binder & Slipcase — For larger prints or maps you want to preserve in binder pages.
    Step 2 — Add Archival Pages & Inserts
    Use archival 3-Ring Binder Pages (sold separately) and card stock inserts for added support and protection.
    • Pocket Pages with Inserts let you safely mount photos or documents in clear polypropylene sleeves that fit 3-ring binders.
    • Card Stock Inserts let you add notes, dates, or family information right next to the item for reference — without adhesives touching your papers.
    Step 3 — Organize and Sort
    • Group records by family branch, surname, or event (birth certificates, censuses, marriage records, etc.)
    • Consider Index Tabs or Page Lifters as dividers so you can flip quickly between sections over time.
    Step 4 — Store Binders Safely
    • After assembling pages, keep your binders upright or horizontally on shelves.
    • Avoid damp, hot, or sunny locations; archival binders with slipcases add extra environmental protection.

Collector Grade 3-Ring Binders

Binder Boxes

3-RING BINDER PAGES