Archival preservation is also a combination of the materials and the forces acting upon them.  By layering certain materials one material may act as a solvent to another and cause it to deteriorate faster than normal; also, while certain combinations of materials might be stable in a dry, cool environment, adding extra humidity might spawn a reaction (such as mold growth on materials that are organic).  This is why ancient tomb paintings may have been perfectly preserved when first excavated but after a decade or two of warm tourists’ breath may start efflorescing salts or growing mold.

 

Another source to check out is the Artist’s Handbook of Materials and Techniques, which has recently been updated with notes about archival qualities of painting and drawing materials.  Here is the link to the book on Amazon.com:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670837016/103-0734883-7275831?v=glance&n=283155

 

Finally, almost everything you can buy to make art with has a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).  This will tell any chemical compounds and volatilities so you can cross-check for reactions with other materials.  If it doesn’t come in the package you can almost always download it from the manufacturer’s website.

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

Lately I've recycled OSB (a popular wood compund used in the  construction of homes), as my surface.  It is course, richly textured, reminiscent of Egyptian papyrus. 

Much of my collage work involves the liberal use of translucent bases, paper textures and interference colors.. usually pigments mixed with (sometimes water-based, sometimes oil based) polyurethanes, and/or clear acrylic media. 
... Applied directly to a primed (exterior house paint, or gesso when I can get it) OSB, or other wood surface.  Recently I found a clear acrylic gesso which works nicely though a bit pricey for me right now. 

I've been wondering what the life or those substances are, particularly when infused with pigment and other collage elements (gemstones, powders, herbs, etc.). 

I've sometimes used wood glue as adhesive, though with much reservation.

Drawing with Pencils, markers & ball point pens.  Oftentimes I'll work with a ballpoint pen or "permanent" markers like a Sharpie or one of those iridescent metallic pens (appears to contain metallic spray paint of some grade). The drawing is done on top of a photocopied or computer printout of a figure or symbol I've drawn and scanned.  I do this to enhance the sharpness (and longevity?) of the printout. These layers are often covered with (anywhere from two to seven) layers of urethane or whatever other clear base is involved.

Speaking of layers, will urethanes and acrylics enhance the durability of lower grade papers, like cardboard, butcher paper, etc?( which I assume are pretty low on the archival list... even though it is wood)

Its difficult to tell what is actually archival and what is just expensive consumerist art stuff.  Especially when I see ancient artwork that exists for hundreds (thousands?) of years with relatively little fading and flaking. ( Along with the support of experienced preservation and restoration.)

Web site noted.  I'll look into it.

Tufani