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Every collector knows that owning valuable items is only half the battle. The main task is to preserve them for posterity, protecting them from the relentless influence of time. There are three main factors that pose the greatest threat to any collection: ultraviolet radiation, humidity fluctuations, and unstable temperature. These invisible enemies can cause irreparable damage.
| Factor | Impact on Collectible Items |
| Light (UV radiation) | Fading of pigments, yellowing of paper, breakdown of textile and wood structures. |
| Humidity | Appearance of mold, fungus, corrosion of metals, warping of paper and wood, dulling of porcelain. |
| Temperature | Cracking of varnish on paintings, brittleness of paper and parchment, warping of wood and bone. |
Every collector knows that owning valuable items is only half the battle. The main task is to preserve them for posterity, protecting them from the relentless influence of time. There are three main factors that pose the greatest threat to any collection: ultraviolet radiation, humidity fluctuations, and unstable temperature. These invisible enemies can cause irreparable damage.
Direct sunlight causes colors to fade and materials to deteriorate. High humidity promotes the growth of mold and corrosion, while excessive dryness leads to cracking and warping. Abrupt temperature changes are also destructive, as they cause materials to contract and expand, leading to their breakdown. Understanding these risks is the first step toward creating ideal storage conditions.
Creating a stable microclimate in the room where the collection is housed is a key task. Controlling these three parameters will help significantly extend the life of valuable items and preserve their original appearance.
Paintings are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. The paint layer, varnish, and canvas can be irreversibly damaged by improper storage. The main danger is light, especially direct sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation destroys pigments, causing bright colors to fade and lose their depth. Therefore, paintings should never be hung opposite windows or under the direct light of lamps.
The temperature and humidity regime is equally important. An ideal temperature is considered to be in the range of 18-22°C with a relative humidity of 45-55%. Sharp fluctuations in these indicators cause the canvas and the wooden stretcher to contract and expand. This causes the paint layer to crack, a phenomenon known as craquelure. Paintings should not be placed above fireplaces, near heating radiators, or air conditioners.
To ensure the proper storage conditions for paintings, several rules should be followed:
Numismatic collections require a special approach to storage, as metals are susceptible to oxidation and corrosion. The main enemies of coins are moisture and aggressive chemicals found in the air and on human skin. Even a simple touch with fingers can leave a greasy residue on the coin's surface, which over time will lead to spots and metal degradation.
Therefore, the first rule for a numismatist is to never handle coins with bare hands. Special tweezers with soft tips or cotton gloves should be used. This simple action will help prevent acids and oils, which can trigger the oxidation process, from getting on the coin's surface.
For the long-term storage of numismatics, there are several proven methods, each providing protection from the external environment:
A key factor is choosing materials that do not contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Over time, PVC breaks down, releasing substances that cause a greenish film to appear on coins, which is nearly impossible to remove.
| What to Do | What to Avoid |
| Store in closed cabinets | Store on open shelves in direct sunlight |
| Place books vertically | Stack books on top of each other (damages the binding) |
| Maintain stable humidity (40-50%) | Store in damp basements or dry attics |
| Ensure air circulation | Place books flush against a wall |
| Dust regularly with a soft brush | Use damp cloths to clean bindings |
Old books are fragile artifacts whose paper and bindings require careful handling. Light, humidity, and temperature have the same destructive effect on them as on paintings. Paper yellows and becomes brittle over time due to ultraviolet radiation, and high humidity creates ideal conditions for mold growth and attracts book pests.
Books should be stored in closed cabinets, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The optimal conditions are a temperature of around 16-20°C and a humidity of 40-50%. It is important to ensure good air circulation to prevent stagnation and mold formation. Books should be placed vertically on shelves, tightly enough to support each other but not so tight that they are difficult to remove without damaging the spine.
Following these simple rules will help keep your library in excellent condition.
Large-format books (folios) are best stored horizontally to reduce stress on the binding. Proper care for old books will allow you to preserve not only the text but also the spirit of the era captured in these unique items.
Porcelain, despite its apparent strength, is a very fragile material. The main risks to it are mechanical damage (chips, cracks) and sudden temperature changes. Over time, hard-to-remove stains can also appear on the surface, and gilding can wear off from improper cleaning.
Glass display cases or cabinets are best for exhibiting porcelain items. They protect the items from dust, accidental impacts, and vibrations. It is important to arrange items so they do not touch each other, especially those with thin, protruding parts. You should not stack cups or hang them on hooks by their handles, as this creates excessive stress and can lead to damage.
Cleaning porcelain requires a delicate touch. Here are a few tips on how to properly care for these fragile items:
Special attention should be paid to items with old cracks or signs of restoration. It is best not to wash such pieces at all, limiting care to dry dusting to avoid compromising the integrity of any repairs.
