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Care
Preventing Damage
An art object damaged by fire, pollution, water, vandalism or accident can be reduced to little or no value. Since not every source of damage is insurable, protective measures must be taken.
-Keep precious objects away from direct sunlight and avoid fluorescent lighting.
-Hang objects on walls that do not contain plumbing or heating elements. If you have to use the interior side of an outside wall, add insulating material such as styrofoam to the backing of the object. Avoid hanging anything over radiators, furnace ducts or fireplaces.
-Maintain constant temperature and humidity where objects are stored or displayed. Frequent atmospheric changes cause shrinking and stretching of all kinds of materials.
-Works on paper should be handled with acid-free gloves and mounted with acid-free materials. Use flour-and-water paste and linen tape, available at art supply stores. Mount paper objects behind real glass.
-Use photo albums with acid-free pages. Store the negatives in a dark place so you can make a new print when the original fades.
-Don't hang up valuable garments as hangers put a strain on clothes. Store clothing flat and unfolded.
-Never dry clean objects like flags, blankets or quilts. Clean by handwashing in lukewarm water with a mild soap. When hanging on a wall, back with a natural fabric like cotton. Sew on a piece of strong woven twill tape and hang by the tape to avoid strain on the original. Store in a cedar chest or closet.
-Furniture should be waxed twice a year. Instead of silicone sprays, apply paste wax with the grain of the wood.
-A suction vacuum is recommended for antique rugs.
-Entrust works of art only to professional carriers who will ensure professional handling at all times.
If you are not sure how to preserve or mount a precious object, most state historical societies have professional conservators who will give advice.
Caring for Fine Glass and Crystal
Tips to keep your glass and crystal pieces safe and sparkling:
-Never put old or fine glass in a dishwasher. To clean, use warm (not hot) water and a mild detergent. Rinse in very clean, clear water.
-When washing parts of a chandelier or lamp with crystal prisms be sure the parts are throughly dry before reassembling, or hooks and wires may rust and corrode.
-If there is residue in the bottom of a glass piece, fill with mixture of water and detergent and leave to soak overnight. Then remove residue with a bottle brush.
-Lock cabinet doors containing glass and secure cabinets by bolting them to the wall with L-shaped brackets. A small wooden ledge or length of piano wire will stop pieces from sliding forward during earthquakes or sudden jolts.
-Store individual glass objects separately. Don't stack or crowd. Avoid wrapping glass in tissue or newspaper which may attract dampness.
-See a glass expert if you have a piece that has developed a cloudy condition or a pattern of lines and cracks called crizzles. While repairs are difficult, glaziers and conservators can use specifically formulated adhesives or obliterate damage by grinding and repolishing.
(Reference: Marsh and McClellan Insurance Company)