The Acaeum Dungeons & Dragons
Collecting Forums

Methods for Displaying "thinner" Box Sets
Post new topic Reply to topic Page 1 of 1
Author

User avatar

Active Collector

Posts: 11
Joined: Jun 22, 2015
Last Visit: Jul 14, 2015

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:16 pm 
 

Hey Gang!

I've been building a 2e ad&d collection for the last couple months, and so far the stuff I've been getting hasnt really needed much protection (in that its been mostly "well loved" material). Today however I got a copy of The Ruins of UnderMountain that is REALLY minty, so I'm suddenly concerned with how to display box sets without causing further damage to them. The deeper boxes are wide enough on the edge that I can just display them on their edge without much concern, but what about the thin boxes (Ruins of UnderMountain is only about an inch thick)? They seem to be much more prone to opening themselves when on their edge, and I don't really want to display them flat because of space concerns or dishing when stacked. Is there an established correct way to display thin box sets? AM I over thinking this?

Thanks!

  


Sage Collector

Posts: 2024
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Last Visit: Jul 04, 2026

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:41 pm 
 

wait, i don't understand. doesn't the shrinkwrap hold the box top & bottom together snugly? is there something i'm missing here?


Shrink is not a condition

  

User avatar

Active Collector

Posts: 11
Joined: Jun 22, 2015
Last Visit: Jul 14, 2015

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 6:43 pm 
 

stratochamp wrote in Methods for Displaying "thinner" Box Sets:wait, i don't understand. doesn't the shrinkwrap hold the box top & bottom together snugly? is there something i'm missing here?


It isn't shrinked, it's open/unplayed.

  

User avatar

Prolific Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 253
Joined: Aug 28, 2011
Last Visit: Jul 22, 2021
Location: Denver, CO

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:08 pm 
 

If the box set is stored on a shelf with other box sets such that it is a "good" fit (i.e., not so tight you can't even take one out), then you shouldn't have too much worry about the box warping or opening any due to just sitting there, even on its edge. If you are going to be sliding it on and off the shelf a lot for reading purposes or whatever then it will get scratched and scuffed, etc over time. Not noticeable at first but it will happen. I agree, don't stack.

To be safest just bag it and tape the bag tight and be done. That way you can take it out or just leave it. Most of my box sets are bagged and the excess bag is just wrapped around and taped so it displays better on the shelf. Life magazine bags work well for the thin box sets. Thicker boxes require a larger bag obviously. Archival quality bags can be purchased in many different sizes including large enough to store box sets.

Hope that helps some.

  

User avatar

Active Collector

Posts: 11
Joined: Jun 22, 2015
Last Visit: Jul 14, 2015

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:28 pm 
 

Incredibly helpful! Especially for the Life Magazine size tip!

What about the full size box sets? Is there a go to size for them as well?

  


Sage Collector

Posts: 2024
Joined: Feb 12, 2005
Last Visit: Jul 04, 2026

Post Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2015 9:05 pm 
 

okay this time i'll actually be helpful instead of poking fun at myself.
10"x13" bag for the 2" thick boxes.


Shrink is not a condition

  

User avatar

Long-Winded Collector
Acaeum Donor

Posts: 3718
Joined: May 30, 2007
Last Visit: Aug 04, 2026
Location: USA Georgia

Post Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 9:25 am 
 

Also, on my boxed sets that aren't completely full of material, I add in a layer or two of bubble wrap cut to size to keep everything firmly in place.  This is also helpful for those boxes that have begun cupping.  And while I can't say this definitely, I believe the cupping can be mostly reversed over time.  I had a Greyhawk boxed set with some cupping, but after several years with the bubble wrap filling, I now notice the box stays relatively square even after removing all the packing.  Your own results may vary.   8)


Truth is worth finding and life is too short to work for money.

  

User avatar

Prolific Collector

Posts: 346
Joined: Oct 14, 2012
Last Visit: Jan 12, 2025
Location: Arkansas

Post Posted: Fri Jun 26, 2015 12:42 am 
 

BCW sells 'Life' Magazine size bags that work very well on thicker box sets. Or 'Treasury' size bags work as well. Postcard Supplies - The2Buds Collection Protection Shop - Comic Trading Card Vinyl Record Supplies sells some newspaper bags that fit board games.


Make them pay as much as they think they can afford...J.R. "Bob" Dobbs

  
Post new topic Reply to topic Page 1 of 1