Effects of heat on awards

[Wunhur]

Hi fellow members,

I was wondering whether any of you have a display set up with lighting. And what do you think of the effects of the heat generated by the bulb has on our precious awards.especially when the display is enclosed.

What do you guys suggest? A different kind of bulb?

thanks

[Peter Wiking]

I dont think its the heat that can be a problem, unless we are talking about dokuments.. Its the amount of light that can harm paint and ribbons on awards. Strong light can wash out the colors. Try to use a switch that can adjust the strength of the light.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[Airborne Nut]

Heat is an interresting one. It will only be a problem if the item is TOO close to the light sourse, or if it causes excessive dryness within the cabinet. Peter is right the amount of light as well as the type of light can harm your awards. Just be sure if you are using hallogens that the case does not get too hot = dry which could damage leather items. Dry out and crack. Hot air rises so be sure to put a vent in the top of your cabinet so that the heat can have an avenue of exit, and don't forget to put one at the bottom so that you get positive air flow. If you are worried about moths sneaking in the vents line them with fine screening. Air will still be able to get through but moths wont.
If you find heat is still a problem, dim the light or add more vents to allow the air to flow out. You may have to add vents to the back of the display case but I doubt it. Don't leave the light on in the cabinet when you don't have to but that is common sense. Go see a local picture framer and they should be able to set you up with some heat resistant museum UVA/B glass that will help block out most of the harmful light wavelengths. Find out the specs of the glass and you will probably be able to put a small sheet of it a few inches below the light.

Just my suggestions but then again I am a fusser when it comes to protecting my awards, and I tend to overkill it.

-Shane

I dont think its the heat that can be a problem, unless we are talking about dokuments.. Its the amount of light that can harm paint and ribbons on awards. Strong light can wash out the colors. Try to use a switch that can adjust the strength of the light.

Cheers.
Peter Wiking

[EKman]

Better to overkill than to have regrets later on on items that can not be replaced, and by replaced I don't mean you can't get another one, but that piece that survived sixty years has been destroyed, damaged, or altered