Light damage

[Jean-Loup]

Does anyone know what kind of lighting may damage the colors on helmets, uniforms, etc. Many of the thigs we collect were stored in the dark for 50 or 60 years. What steps should be tacken to avoid further damage on the long term?

JL

[darryl-P]

JL,
Ultraviolet or UV light is the absolute worse light there is when it comes to all types of collectables. Do not use it at all and keep your items out of direct sunlight (natural UV). I tend to keep my collection room darkened with the blinds drawn. I only turn on the lights full when I want to see or study something.

Incandescent light (normal room lighting) is OK but even then I would limit any prolonged exposure. I'm sure these days there is museum quality lighting available if you so desire.

Cheers,

[mads]

uplights are very good, as there comes no direct light unto your stuff that way.

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi, I would agree with Darryl. I keep the blinds closed on my "kit room" at all times. I use a low wattage bulb too. I have seen the effects of sunlight on some of my books. The spines of some which once had red print have now faded out to almost white
Cheers, Ade.

[Perry Floyd]

Same here, I'm lucky enough to have a collector room and the walk-in closet is where my helmets are kept. I only use the lights showing someone something or studying something....
Sunlight/moisture/heat are the main killers of helmets..

[Ty Smith]

I have to admit I have never really thought of this. I have most of mine displayed but the blinds are closed most of the time. Kinda of sucks, Like buying a new porsche and keeping it in your garage with a cover on it and never driving it.

[Donald L.]

I've never given it a thought either, except to ensure that no direct sunlight contacted anything from day one. Guess I have solved that problem as my new repository now has no windows at all.

Here's a question, how do museums handle this??? I'd assume that the glass display fronts are of a composition that reduces UV passage, but several displays have integral lighting within them as well. Special bulbs??, ??? just wondering.

Don

[Terry K.]

Hi All,
Mine has no windows and I keep it humidity controled in the summer heat. I do hate mothes though.

[Jean-Loup]

I just looked at a gas mask that has been sitting around for about 4 years, protected from dust, and from direct sunlight. The side exposed to light is in much worse condition than the side that wasnt. I saw other of my masks that were mint have cracks apear after only 2/3 years; nedless to say, I put them back into their airtight boxes.
So, if the ruber masks get damaget so quick out of any direct sunlight, what will our dear helmets be like in 40 years? And 100?
I would say if they arent in complete darkness, then they are getting damaged.
JL