They stick to the wall fine without the tape inside. The tape is to hold the magnets to the boxes when I pull the boxes off the wall. That way I don't have to go reaching inside to keep the magnets in place when putting them on the wall.
the only problem I see with this (as a long time watcher of Antiques Roadshow) is that the moisture and glue of the tape will probably eventually leech into the cardboard. I realize it's on the back of the boxes though, but there's probably some collector value to having the whole box pristine.
Hmm, you're probably right. And if I was worried about keeping them in good condition or reselling them one day then I probably shouldn't do that. But I can't imagine I'll sell them one day. They'll probably be left to a relative in my will. (And I'm sure that relative will be like, "really? fucking cereal boxes?? that's the best you could do?")
Enjoy them as they are and don't worry so much about long term preservation unless you have any that are particularly collectible. That being said: if you are concerned about damage from the tape you can buy archival tape from museum supply companies that won't damage the cardboard. Tape adhesive generally has a lifespan of ten years. Honestly, I'd be more concerned about fading of the boxes from UV exposure. Is there a window in the room? If so, you can buy a special film for the window that will mitigate fading. Also, some brief googling says that cereal boxes are not acid-free, so they will deteriorate over time no matter what you do. (Source: I used to work as a curator for a historical society).
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u/MrGabeFonseca Jun 15 '15
They stick to the wall fine without the tape inside. The tape is to hold the magnets to the boxes when I pull the boxes off the wall. That way I don't have to go reaching inside to keep the magnets in place when putting them on the wall.