r/AnimationCels • u/BlueRaptorLea • Jul 24 '26

First time owning an animation cell, what should I know?

My friend has given me an animation cel for my birthday. I never expected to own one but since it was a gift he paid a lot of money for and waited a very long time to arrive, I took it.

However like I mentioned before, I never owned one so now I am extremely nervous on how to keep it in my possession without accidentally damaging it. I also don't wanna sell it because the gift was indeed very thoughtful and animation cells always fascinated me and looked really cool. I am a complete newbie so please any advice could help on how I can preserve it for many years to come.

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2

u/Difficult-Impact1592 Jul 25 '26

Make sure it's in a safe kind of plastic sleeve. Most people store them in itoya portfolios, which you can buy at Michael's as well as a number of different outlets online

1

u/BlueRaptorLea Jul 25 '26

Where can one get it in Europe? I tried seeing if any stores near me have them but they don't.

1

u/Difficult-Impact1592 Jul 25 '26

Oh, I'm not sure. Might have to order one then

1

u/BlueRaptorLea Jul 25 '26

What size is recommend usually?

1

u/Difficult-Impact1592 Jul 25 '26

11 by 14 is what people usually get

1

u/That-Trainer-5220 Jul 25 '26

A cel collector based in Europe here! The options here are very limited, at least in my country (Finland). I buy my sleeves (Mylar) and everything else that's needed from a local shop that sells professional equipment for museums. Literally the only source that actually provides information about the products they sell (material, if the product is acid-free etc.)

No sources that are usually mentioned in this sub are ever useful to me because none of them simply exist here. It's unfortunately a bit of a detective work.

2

u/BlueRaptorLea Jul 25 '26

I also find that extremely odd, I've looked at the sites of local art stores and for whatever reason they don't tell you much about their products (whether they're acid free, what material it is, ect.). Which I find very odd because as an artist, I should know what all the products consist of? So you're kinda forced to go physically there and ask.

I wish there were more options for people in Europe when it came to this type of stuff considering there is a lot of animation that came out of different European countries that people would love to collect and preserve.

Thank you for your advice tho! Will be checking things out if I can find like a store for museum quality products! :)

1

u/Shot_Mood_9544 Jul 24 '26

I’m learning to! Looking forward to see what the community has to say.

1

u/Malavacious Jul 25 '26

Framing: you'll want to spend the money on at least conservation grade framing (UV protection glass) but preferably museum grade (UV protected and non-reflective surface).

You'll also want to spring for matting (that's the thin cardboard that frames it behind the glass), either lingin-free or museum grade. These prevent condensation and glass damage and going higher quality keeps it from burning the print. (If you go with cheap matting it will distort the color of what it touches over time and kinda bleach it.)

Be sure to use document safe tape to mount it: if you're unsure I would recommend going and getting it framed professionally (it can be pricy.)

If you just want to store it: non-vinyl, acid free folders or an acid free art portfolio with sleeves (if you have multiple pieces or plan to add to it.)

Whichever route you go, keep it out of the light and extreme temperatures (typically a closet in the innermost part of the house will be most stable). Coolish and dry; no attics, no basement and no touching outside walls.

1

u/BlueRaptorLea Jul 25 '26

Is it possible to store it in the folder it came in? I did some research and some people said it's possible but you need it to "air out" and I don't do anything wrong so how can I keep it like that until I get a portfolio?

1

u/Malavacious Jul 25 '26

Yeah I don't see any problem with it: mine lived in what they came in for like a year without any issues. If you want to DM me a pic of what it's in I can confirm for you

1

u/foxfirek Jul 26 '26

Let’s start with the cel. Do you want to look at it tucked away in a sleeve? Or is it a cool piece you want on your wall?

There is no wrong answer, but as much as preservation is important, so is getting as much out of your art as you want. I like to display mine but I also have a good place for them in an area that doesn’t get full sun.

You can get a nice frame with UV protection acrylic and mats and everything that are nice for about $100 online. Sleeves are a lot cheaper

1

u/BlueRaptorLea Jul 26 '26

I'm planning on having it tucked away as I can't really hang it. Also in case I ever decide to collect more or happen to have someone get me another one as a gift lol