Protecting Your Investments in Art Glass, Pottery, Furniture, Bronze, Vintage Knives and Collectibles

Here are brief, but urgent, reminders on how to care for your art glass, fine pottery, furniture, bronze and metal pieces, and collectibles.

The enemies of your treasures are:

• Tannic acid fumes from wood and paper.
• Ultra-violet sunlight and light in general.
• Oil from polish or finger prints
• Dust
• Temperature change
• Extremes in dryness and humidity
• Wear, tear and bumps
• Children and grandchildren (On this, we cannot help you)

Guidelines for Conserving Art Glass and Pottery:

• Avoid temperature extremes, especially when washing.  Glass can shatter.  Pottery develops value-robbing crazing (thin glaze cracks).  Give the dishwasher and harsh detergents a rest.
• Use clear tabs to protect the bottom of art glass and displayed pottery to minimize scratches and the marring of the surfaces upon which they rest.
• Museum Wax (that's its name) is a putty-like adhesive that holds down breakables in earthquake and child-prone zones.
• Sturdy pottery, such as Roseville, can benefit from a coat of clear Renaissance Wax.
• When using artificial flowers in art glass vases, bind the stems so they won't scratch the inside.
• If you're compelled to use real flowers in glass vases, change the water frequently.  Pottery vases clean easier.
• Avoid over-handling the satin surfaces of frosted glass, such as Lalique.  Oil can change the satin luster.
• Thin, cotton gloves are available for folks with collections vulnerable to fingerprint oils.

Guidelines for Furniture, Bronze and Metal

• Avoid oil polishes.  Even on tools and knives, it's messy.  Linseed oil is practicularly flammable.  Oil attracts dust.  Dust is abrasive to wood and other surfaces.
• Rotate the items on your wood surfaces to avoid sun bleached spots and surface scratching.
• Turn on the humidifier in the winter.
• Use a light application of mineral spirits to remove old wax before applying a conservation wax.
• Use a clear, non-acid, conservation wax, such as Renaissance Wax on all of the above.  Especially popular with Roman coin and vintage knife collectors.

Guidelines for Collectibles

• Save the original boxes!  They are probably the safest places for storing or transporting your treasures, and boxes generally add to the resale value.
• Save Certificates of Authenticity (COAs).  Although many seasoned collectors scoff at COAs, keep them if they identify your piece or offer a warranty.
• Display fewer, but better pieces, or rotate them.  They are less likely to get bumped on a less crowded shelf, and look more important.  Collect the more valuable pieces that tend to hold and appreciate in value.
• Keep a price and identification log of all your major art and collectible pieces for insurance purposes and so your heirs will know enough to keep them or take the time to sell them on eBay, instead of giving them away at a garage sale.

Enjoy your stuff!

Norm and Natalie - Art Acquisitions Unlimited

See our guidelines on Protecting Fine Art Prints