Archival as in art. When something has staying power, as it is naturally preserving itself. Artists specifically use acid-free paper, canvas, paints, fixtures in order to preserve the quality, colors, images and design of their work. There are many processes now that we can use to salvage a piece of artwork, but better to use things that will not damage it in the first place.

Ar"chi*val (#), a.

Pertaining to, or contained in, archives or records.

Tooke.

© Webster 1913.