Badge preservation

[Ellison864]

Can someone tell me if a light coat of good quality nuetural paste wax is safe to use on buntmetal badges to protect them from finger prints, UV light, humidity, etc. I just started displaying some of my things in a new oak curio cabinet that has a single incadescent light at the top. The illumination is poor on the lower shelves so I was thinking of using battery operated flourescent lights that can be repositioned as needed. They are 12 " in lenght & have a velcro backing. I have read other post that suggest oak may be bad for badges. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce

[Darrell]

Can someone tell me if a light coat of good quality nuetural paste wax is safe to use on buntmetal badges to protect them from finger prints, UV light, humidity, etc. I just started displaying some of my things in a new oak curio cabinet that has a single incadescent light at the top. The illumination is poor on the lower shelves so I was thinking of using battery operated flourescent lights that can be repositioned as needed. They are 12 " in lenght & have a velcro backing. I have read other post that suggest oak may be bad for badges. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bruce

No offence but ............

Don't do that !!!

[Billy B]

Fluorescent lights emit UV rays they are absolutely terrible for display. Oak is terrible for display cases also. Find a halogen light for the case and don't have it on 24/7 check the temperature inside the case.

[Loggy]

Properly dried, stained and lacquered oak will cause no harm to your collectables. Extremes cause harm. Severe heat or cold, dust, humidity, etc, etc.


Tim ---->>>

[Hugh W. Brock]

Have had badges in oak framed wall hanging cases for seven years with no problem. Wood has to be cured for quite a while (year or more) to dry down to 5% moisture. Green wood will cause a problem. Green wood will shrink down and that is why cheap furniture usually falls apart after a few years---it is tight in the beginning. Also the foam and colored backings have not caused any problems, but again some kinds might. Bought mine at big gun/relic shows from long-time dealers in them.

Keep temperature constant and humidity low---as in an air conditioned living space---and there should be no problems. Fluctuations in temperature and hgh humidity usually cause minute condensation on metal and this acts as a catalyst for corrosion/oxidation.

An old time collector said he used luke warm soapy water to clean his items and then thoroughly dried them. I do sometimes and then usually just rub them down with a silicone cloth. Problem with paste wax is it builds up and is usually visible as white or yellow gunk in corners later. Cleaning it off in later years after it yellows would not be fun. None of my medals---zinc, copper alloy, silver plate, etc., have been a problem or needed cleaning since purchase and I ascribe that to climate control.
Hugh Brock

[Ellison864]

Thanks to everyone for the usefull info. I will cancel the flourescent light idea but still try to get better lighting to the lower shelves. Thanks especially to you Mr. Brock. As a dealer & collector that has been in business for 40 yrs. with a good reputation I value your comments & advice. (ordered an item last night).
Bruce