I'm getting some really nice barrister bookcases in 1-2 weeks and they will come already finished (stained and I assume sealed).

Is it safe to put my books in on the finished wood or should I have a barrier between the books and the wood? I don't want anything seeping into my books, but I don't know what is recommended as a barrier either.

Suggestions?

I'm getting some really nice barrister bookcases in 1-2 weeks and they will come already finished (stained and I assume sealed).

Is it safe to put my books in on the finished wood or should I have a barrier between the books and the wood? I don't want anything seeping into my books, but I don't know what is recommended as a barrier either.

Suggestions?

You'll want a barrier. When I was young, my Dad put up lacquered wood shelves for his books. Generally the books held up, but some had a bit of yellowing on the bottom due to the shelves. I'd put up a barrier of clear mylar.

-MarcC

The very fact that they're stained means that some colour may leach into dustjackets therefore as Sourdough suggests, it would be advisable to put a barrier in place.

That's what I thought.

Can anyone suggest a specific liner? I would assume acid free would be best, but I didn't have much luck on Amazon or Google. Probably just not using the right terms, but "acid free" and "shelf liner" were the only ones that came to mind.

That's what I thought.

Can anyone suggest a specific liner? I would assume acid free would be best, but I didn't have much luck on Amazon or Google. Probably just not using the right terms, but "acid free" and "shelf liner" were the only ones that came to mind.

Try "acid free poster board." It's what picture frame shops use for bordering and matting treasured photographs.

Ken V.

I have run into a very similar problem with my 2850+ book collection. I have used either "acid-free" poster board or, surprisingly enough, the dust-jacket covers to create a barrier between the books and the books shelves.

I don't mean using the dj cover material to actually protect the dj (although a good deal of my books are protected in this way), but to line the sides, backs and bottoms of the shelves and bookshelves.

The dust-jacket covers are the best in protecting your books, although more expensive. You can order a pretty good supply of them on-line.

My books are all housed on all wood, all oak, untreated books shelves - but I still use a liner; just to be safe.

That's a great suggestion - thank you! I ended up purchasing a roll of acid free drawing paper at a local art supply store. It's black and almost like construction paper in thickness.

I will check out those cover too. I haven't opened the paper as my bookcases are still not here.

That's a great suggestion - thank you! I ended up purchasing a roll of acid free drawing paper at a local art supply store. It's black and almost like construction paper in thickness.

I will check out those cover too. I haven't opened the paper as my bookcases are still not here.

I looked at my post to your question and it seems that I was a bit rambling in it. I am glad you got the gist of my suggestion.

Probably obvious, but make sure (if you are able) to keep your books/bookshelves out of direct sunlight too. This will decrease the likelihood of dj fade and help slow down page yellowing.

Absolutely! I've got some really nice barrister bookcases on the way. They will get some sun in the morning, but I will be getting some curtains soon now that I have the walls painted and the carpet in. Curtains will minimize the sun, glass doors will minimize the dust, acid free paper to line the shelves - these books will be livin' large.

Absolutely! I've got some really nice barrister bookcases on the way. They will get some sun in the morning, but I will be getting some curtains soon now that I have the walls painted and the carpet in. Curtains will minimize the sun, glass doors will minimize the dust, acid free paper to line the shelves - these books will be livin' large.

Excellent ! You're slowly turning into one of those "collector nuts" that FPW often to refers to!

BTW, I already am one of them! ;-)