Archival Method’s Archival Storage Box – Real World Example

 

As advertised…

The black 17.5 x 22.5 x 1.5″ Drop-Front Archival Storage Box from Archival Methods protects and stores digital and photographic prints, that either have been matted or matted, inside the 1.5″ deep drop-front box. Therefore, the archival box will approximately hold 22 2/2 ply mounted prints. The box is constructed of a heavyweight archival-grade boxboard that has a matte laminate coating, which makes the box resistant to water. Removing the box top reveals a hinged drop-front panel on the front long side; thus, the bottom section of the box allows the contents to be inserted, removed or examined safely.

Source: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/442074-REG/Archival_Methods_01_118_01_118_Drop_Front_Archival.html

 

$30 later… the reality…

It’s been two months now and the archival storage box I ordered to hold some prints is already showing signs of wear and tear…

Which is pretty surprising when you think on it…

Since it’s an archival box, it’s only been two months, and I’ve opened and closed it maybe five times.

All of the sides are now bowed outwards. You’d think I would’ve had a weight on it, but no. On top of that, bits of black paper from the inside of the box are randomly peeling off. I don’t even know how that happened since there’s absolutely nothing rubbing against the surface… I suppose that the paper is de-laminating since they mentioned it has a laminated surface.

The box does seem to be doing its job well enough though. Perhaps both the peeling paper and the bowed edges are only a cosmetic problem, but perhaps later in time it’ll become a serious one.

Conclusion…

The fact that after two months the box is showing some wear and tear (without much use) kind of says it all. I really doubt this is the archival storage box you’ll want to get if you’re presenting your work or if your work gets taken in and out of storage frequently.
But for only $30 and if the box is just going to be hiding in the corner… it kind of seems like that’s the one job it can do effectively.
If you happened to buy one of these archival boxes go ahead and comment below on how yours is holding up!