Buffered vs. Nonbuffered: Storing vintage beaded purses with silk linings from Denease A.

Q. I am interested in purchasing acid free tissue.  I collect vintage beaded purses with silk linings and other vintage items.  I looked on your web site and noticed that acid free tissue comes buffered and nonbuffered.  Which one should I use?

A. For most vintage items, and particularly where silk, wool, fur, leather or feathers is a component, you should use only nonbuffered tissue.  This will keep the natural protective acid mantle of the organic materials intact, and will not cause any color shift if sensitive organic dyes are present.