Many of us like to collect small antique works of art, as they make for the perfect decor accessories, and these delicate hand-crafted items do require careful storage in order to protect the fine finish. Collectables cover a very wide range of items, including antique watches and jewelery, small wooden ornaments, stamps and currencies, to name a few, and storage needs to be suitable for the items in question.
Temperature – This is critical for most collectables, especially manuscripts and books, and you should store your collectables at room temperature, making sure they are never exposed to heat, which can dry out delicate veneer finishes on antique items. Avoid basements and attics, as the cold winters and hot summers might damage the items, and avoid leaving them near a heat source, even for a short time.
Consider A Safety Deposit Box – If your collectables are small, why not keep them in a safety deposit box? The climate is strictly controlled and you have access during regular business hours, and you won’t find a more secure place to store your valuable collection.
Sunlight – Direct sunlight can damage an item, especially if it is subjected to a few hours of strong sunlight on a daily basis, so avoid leaving your memorabilia near the window. If you are looking to add to your collection, find the latest antiques and collectables from LoveAntiques, a UK leading antique dealer who has access to a huge catalogue of items.
Cleaning Your Collectables – Great care must be taken when cleaning delicate objects, and never use a product that contains chemicals, unless you know it will not harm the item. A feather duster isn’t going to hurt anything, and a dry cloth can be used to wipe surfaces, and only use water if you know it to be safe. Cotton buds are good for cleaning intricate items, and remember that antique collectables are supposed to look old, and cleaning should be restricted to a gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Humidity – One cannot overlook humidity when storing collectables, and excessive levels of moisture in the air can cause serious damage to delicate works of art. Oil paintings, for example, must be kept in a controlled environment, and any humidity would cause the canvas to degrade, while also affecting the pigment. There are a few more tips on how to store collectable antiques you can get from articles you can find online.
Keep Original Boxes – If your collectables come in boxes, these should all be saved and stored correctly, as they are an essential part of the collection, which will add to the value. Whether you prefer to store the collectables in their original boxes is a question to consider, as keeping them separate isn’t a bad idea.
If you are looking to add to your collection, join forces with an experienced online antique dealer who also has collectables, and he can source pieces to order. Whether your collectables are on show, or they only come out on special occasions, proper storage is essential, and as the years pass by, your collection will become more valuable.
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