When you shop at Precious Collectibles, you will receive antique, vintage, and modern collectibles of the highest possible quality. Every collectible is checked for discoloration, (hidden) restorations, and other signs of wear and tear. We understand how much you value the quality of your collectibles.
It is fairly safe to state that the collectibles you buy at Precious Collectibles will rise in economic value over the years. To preserve the value of your collectibles (whether it is emotional or economic), it is important to handle them with the proper care.
Avoid direct sunlight
We know that your favorite garden statue would look great in your actual garden. On the other hand, it would also look amazing in any other space. Here, you will have to make a choice: display your collectible in a space with or without direct sunlight, as this will cause or prevent discoloration.
When placed in direct sunlight, collectibles will start to discolor. As a result, replacing your collectible will showcase this discoloration. For most people, this would mean less joy when looking at their collectible.
Avoid temperature fluctuations
“Storing or placing your collectibles in a room with temperature fluctuations is never a good idea. As a result, collectibles will start cracking and may even break completely. The extent of the wear will depend on how strong the temperature fluctuations are and the material of the collectible.
When storing collectibles, choose a space that maintains a constant temperature, or store them in a place with the same temperature as your household. This way, you can avoid fluctuations in temperature as much as possible, preserving your collectibles.
Avoid smoke
Smoke, whether it is from baking/cooking or from smoking, is one of the worst things that can happen to a collectible. Because smoke not only causes discoloration, but also functions as glue for all other dirt particles in the air. These consequences are not only valid for smoke by baking/cooking and smoking, but are valid for all types of smoke
A collectible that has been placed in a space where smoke is, is almost impossible to clean. Since the sticky grease is nearly impossible to remove. In addition the discoloration caused by smoke can not be undone. And the smell can take years to disappear. As a result cleaning the consequences from smoke is a job for a professional.
Avoid heavy cleaning
Yes, we are saying it out loud. This is one of the few moments in life you will hear: Too much cleaning is bad. Polishing your collectible will make the vibrant colors turn dull. Moreover, these vibrant colors can disappear completely. Avoid cleaning with chemicals, as they can really damage your collectible.
The best way to clean collectibles is with a dry or slightly moist cloth. Of course, it is even better to use a small and soft (paint) brush. This way, you will only remove the dust. Naturally, it is best to place your collectibles in a display cabinet. This way, you will only need to clean them in so many years.
Avoid restorations
In general, you should avoid restorations completely, especially when the wear is minimal. When you do need a restoration, contact a professional. Using the wrong restoration materials will only worsen the wear. As a result, restoration by a professional will increase in price because they have to undo the faulty restorations
When you have done a restoration, regardless of its extent, be fair if you offer someone else your collectible. The choice of whether a restoration is a disturbing factor in someone else’s collection should be their own. This is not a choice you can make for them.
Conclusion
Taking care of your collectibles essentially involves placing them out of direct sunlight, avoiding temperature fluctuations, avoiding smoke, cleaning them as little as possible, and avoiding restorations. It is fortunately not rocket science, but it is worth considering when you are starting (or already are) collecting.
In addition, most wear of collectibles occurs over time and happens in subtle steps. It is usually not due to one-time cleaning or a few days in the sun. Admittedly, it is often a process of periodic cleaning and months of displaying or storing them. As a result, you may not see the effects of mistreating your collectible until it is too late.
Do you have any great tips? Share them in the comment section below and help your fellow collectors.
Disclaimer
Our advice is general advice, and no rights can be derived from it. The best way to store and maintain your collectible strongly depends (among other factors) on the material and age of your collectibles, and of course, your personal situation. If you need advice for your own personal situation, leave a comment below, and we will try to help you.
