Is this the right way to storage my stuff ?

[alex92]

Hallo guys, I was just reading a text, where you could read how to storage your medals, and so on.

And because I want to make my medals and such to last for ever or let us just say very long, I wanna now if I am doing this right so please leave a comment.

http://imageshack.dk//viewimage.php?...e/8Jz75356.jpg
http://imageshack.dk//viewimage.php?...e/ULP75347.jpg

[Paul R.]

Alex. If you want to keep you metals, and printed material items in good shape from back then until 20?? You should consider looking through several threads on conservation. I doing so to educate our selfs on the different types of conservation for your many different items. There's a lot going on in these 2 images that are not what would be typical conservation practices . The cabinet is not a safe enviroment. If it is painted wood it self is out gassing fumes that in time will discolor your ribbon fabric. The cabinet fumes will also react to the newspaper. The medals sould not be stored on top of acidic paper. Paper was made with unstable materials. Like bleachs, hardners, and sulfur. In time will cause problems, not to metion lead in the printers ink. The newspaper in the corner is stressed by the folds in the paper. Remember newsprint is mostly wood pulp with bleach, hardners, sulfurs and lead ink. All in time spelling a disaster. The rubber gaskets on the gas mask are out gassing smelling like an old bicycle iner tube. The painted canisters were painted with lead paint that is out gasing. The animal skulls can attract silver fish, mold beatles, moisture, spiders. Which in turn can damage most items in the shelf area along with larva eating the fabric on the medals. Please read the pinned articles on top of the conservation area on the moths, moisture and cheap plastic storage materials. There are a lot of members researching articles and sharing ideas on this forum. It a good place to start. Don't hesitate in asking questions, and Please don't feel like your asking a dumb question there is no such thing. WE ARE ALL LEARNING Hope this helps Paul

[alex92]

Thanks for the answer Paul.
but what should i keep my items in ?
can you come with a proposal ?

Alex

[Paul R.]

There are several conservation items that may be purchased with out breaking the bank. The first thing to consider is personal choice. Some companines that sell such items are (do a web search for links)Gaylord, Talas, Univerisity Products. Remember there are a lot of cheap so called museum quality storage frames out there. You will get what you pay for. Take the time to research the products. WE RESEARCH OUR COLLECTOS. RESEARCH STORAGE ITEMS AND COMPANIES. The cheap items will out gas and can be dangerous as for your items. Also remember light, moisture, insects, are just as bad for your items. Paul

[alex92]

Okay thanks Paul, but when you say that light is bad for my items, what do you meen by that?.
is much light bad or is is to little light.
I am very confused about how to take care for my items.

[Paul R.]

lighting has been an issue for many objects since light was brought indoors. When museums, and art galleries, (just to name a few) Before any of these museums put items out for display. The light used to illuminate the object has been carefully selected. Light bulbs that are low uv emitting are installed into that gallery. Windows are either covered up with uv controll screening, or painted black. Floresent bulbs are pulled out or not installed. Ulta Violet rays along with other light emitting rays will damage items. Did you ever visit a museum? Notice there are no florscent lights. Usually no large windows in any of their galleries. Light in a gallery are very dim, or come on when some one enters a room. They limit the amount of time an item is exposed to light. Helping to preserve it as long as possible, or they may rotate an object with another piece. A simple experiment buy a new newspaper. Place a section of the newspaper in the back window area of a car. Place another section next to a 100 watt bulb in the house. Place another section in a closet that has a door that can be closed. Wait a month gather all newspaper from the closet, car, by the light bulb. You will see what has happened it the paper.
Paper, fabric, leather, photographs, books. All items will fade it not protected from light. Spend some time on the computer (not just this site)and conduct a web search for lighting on objects for display. You will find a lot of good info. None of this stuff is rocket science. It's common sence. Sometimes we need to educate our selfs before we act on a saving our important personal collection. Sometimes with dealing with many different types of objects. One size will not fit all