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Durable Mylar sleeves are made from acid-free polyester. Mylar is usually 2 mil to 4 mil thick as well. So, this makes it thicker than most other comparable comic book protection products. Mylar is probably the best standard for protecting your comic book products. If you use Mylar sleeves and backing boards properly, then your comics will have protection from the elements for a lifetime.
A lot of government offices and research facilities, like the Library of Congress, use Mylar to protect vital documents and records. Such lifetime guarantees are known as an “archival standard.”
Durable Mylar
Still, Mylar comic book sleeves are usually very pricey when you compare them to polypropylene or polyethylene sleeves. However, they can help your comics last for years or decades. You usually must swap out cheaper comic book sleeves every few years.
Cheaper comic book sleeves can degrade in 3 to 5 years, depending on the quality. So, that requires a lot of maintenance and time sacrifice from you. You won’t have that problem with Mylar sleeves.
Here is a list of seven sleeves. Most of the products on this list are made from Mylar, and some are pricey. So, several similar products on this list, made from comparable plastics, are added so you have more options for comparison.
1. Max Pro MaxLites (100 Sleeves)
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This product is not made from durable Mylar but is the closest substitution. Each sleeve wall has a 2 mill thickness. The top of the sleeve has a 2-inch flap extension for better protection. Here are the dimensions of the product: 6 7/8 x 10 ½. This material is made from an acid-free polypropylene variant known as OPP.
The manufacturer claims that this product is Archival Quality and comparable to durable Mylar products. This product is optimal for use with Modern Age comics only.
Buy 100 sleeves for $24.99 now at Amazon.
2. E. Gerber Mylites 2 Mil Comic Book Silver & Golden Age Size (50 Sleeves)
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Gerber is well-kown and respected for their durable Mylar sleeve products. Their sleeves are 2 mil thick. Here are the dimensions of the product: 7 3/4″ x 10 1/2″.
If you use this product properly, then your comics will have full protection from moisture, mold, and deterioration from sun exposure. This sleeve also reduces off gassing. The manufacturer claims this product has a third of the strength of steel.
This product is optimal for use with Silver and Golden Age comics.
The Library of Congress and the National Archives publicly endorse this product.
Get 50 durable Mylar sleeves for $17.99.
3. Mylites 2 Mil Comic Book Standard Size (50 Sleeves)
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This product provides the same protection as the one for Golden and Silver Age comics. These sleeves should only be used with Current or Modern Age comics. Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 1/4″ x 10 1/2″.
Buy a 50-pack for $21.68 at Amazon now.
4. Ultra Pro Resealable Current Size Comic Bags (100 Sleeves)
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While many similar sleeves feature non-sealable flaps, these flaps are sealable. They are made from acid-free, 2 mil-thick polyproprylene.
The manufacturer states that the product is of Archival Quality and could last decades or more if you use them properly. While it is not made of traditional Mylar, it is a very close and comparable substitute.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 6-7/8″ X 10-1/2″.
Buy 100 sleeves for $9.59 now at Amazon. (This is the cheapest product on this list for the value, so check it out.)
5. BCW Current/Modern Comic Mylar Archivals (100 Sleeves)
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BCW is one of the industry titans when it comes to comic book protection. These sleeves are made from acid-free polyester, also known as Mylar. These durable Mylar sleeves are Archival Quality and will last a lifetime if you use them properly.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 x 10.5 Inches. You should only use Modern Age comics with these sleeves. These sleeves are 2 mil thick.
Get 100 sleeves now for $47.99 at Amazon.
6. BCW Silver/Regular Comic Mylar Archivals (50 Sleeves)
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These Archival Quality Mylar sleeves are 2 mil thick. They are much thicker than similar products. These sleeves are made of acid-free polyester. This product is similar to product #5; however, it is specifically made for use with Silver Age comics.
Here are the product’s dimensions: 7 1/4″ x 10 1/2″.
Get 50 sleeves for $32.99.
7. HYARUAT Resealable Mylar Current Comic Bags (50-Pack)
Image source: Amazon
This is a quality product made of acid-free Mylar. The manufacturer states that this product is 2 mil thick, has a 1.5 non-resealable flap, and is 10X stronger than traditional non-Mylar comic book sleeves.
Additionally, the manufacturer states that these sleeves offer “Lifetime Archival Protection” if you use them properly.
Here are the dimensions of the sleeves: 7″ x 10.5″ with a 1.5″ flap. This product is optimal for use with Modern Age comics only.
Buy 50 sleeves for $15.99 now at Amazon.
Buy What You Need According to Your Needs
If you have a small comic book collection or don’t own valuable comic books, then you may not need Mylar sleeves. Also, if you are an unserious collector or don’t have good organizational skills, then mylar sleeves may not be the best option for you either.
Mylar sleeves are pricey. Also, even if they offer archival-quality protection, comic book collections still require regular maintenance and occasional reorganizing. Only consider buying Mylar sleeves if your budget can handle it and if you have very valuable comic books to protect.
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Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College and has decades of experience in comic investing and personal finance. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen now focuses on comic book reviews, collectible investments, and helping others collect and enjoy comics.