How to maintain glass handicrafts

2023-12-07

When we choose and collect a glassware, it should be a clean collection, even if we pay extra for it. A dirty glassware indicates a greater risk of collection, as dirt can mask many defects. Glassware needs to be kept clean because it requires good lighting. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a dirty glassware washed clean with soap and gurgling water and restored to its crystal clear state. Cleaning glass requires some tools and equipment, some can be purchased in supermarkets or stores, while others can be made in-house. The following basic tools are essential items for glass collectors. Basic washing brush, washing sponge (use with caution on gold-plated or enamel surface glassware); Wool felt (used with caution on gold-plated or glazed glassware); Old toothbrushes (this is a very effective tool, especially for cleaning car carved glassware and glassware with decorative relief on the surface); Bottle brush (especially useful for cleaning narrow mouthed vessels or vases, as well as teapot spouts, with a curved top being even better); Rice grains and other plant seeds (can remove scale and other impurities inside the container); Old brushes or oil brushes (short old paint brushes or oil brushes can be very effective in removing stubborn dirt); A small angle toothbrush with flexible steel wires and ropes (can be bent into hooks to remove dirt or scrape back and forth to remove rust and stains, sometimes with magical effects); Old syringes or toy water guns (effective for rinsing dirt with water that has deeper glass cracks); Long tweezers (can hook and pull dirt);

Key points for preserving handicrafts

2023-12-07

1. Environmental conditions The preservation conditions of handicrafts are very important, as environmental factors can affect the quality and lifespan of handicrafts. Maintaining appropriate ambient temperature and humidity is crucial. Generally speaking, the temperature range should be between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity should be between 55% and 65%. In addition, high levels of light and air pollution can also cause damage to handicrafts. 2. Cleaning and protection Cleaning and protecting handicrafts is also a very important step. When cleaning handicrafts, gentle methods and materials should be used. Gently wipe the surface of dust and impurities with an eraser or fine bristled brush. If the surface of a handicraft has details such as color, carving, decoration, etc., extra care should be taken to avoid wear and tear. Meanwhile, attention should be paid to avoiding the use of highly corrosive substances such as cleaning agents containing acidic or alkaline components. 3. Placement and display Care must be taken when placing and displaying handicrafts to prevent collision and wear. Proper display and placement can also reduce the exposure of handicrafts to the environment and extend their lifespan. When displaying, specially designed tools such as display cabinets and brackets should be used to ensure that the handicrafts are not inverted or shaken. The placement of handicrafts must also be carefully selected to avoid direct exposure to sunlight or damp places. 4. Regular inspection and maintenance The inspection and maintenance of handicrafts should be carried out regularly. If necessary, the handicrafts can be sent to professional repair or protection institutions for maintenance. Through regular inspections, damage or wear on handicrafts can be detected in a timely manner and repaired or replaced in a timely manner. By protecting the above four aspects, handicrafts can be effectively protected and their lifespan can be extended, and cultural traditions can also be better inherited.

How to store and preserve artworks?

2023-12-07

Firstly, avoid direct contact with the artwork and try to wear gloves when in contact; 2. Sunshine and moisture are two important factors to pay attention to. Please try to avoid direct sunlight and use UV resistant glass or acrylic panels for protection; 3. Pay attention to the humidity level to prevent the work from becoming moldy. If it is a paper or photographic work, please use acid free adhesive when mounting; 4. Hanging position: Artworks should not be hung at heat sources, air vents, etc. Extreme or rapid temperature changes can cause deformation and cracking of the paper and wooden frames, including the loss of adhesive used for mounting; 5. Gentle cleaning: Carefully brush off or use a soft cloth to remove dust from the frame, instead of risking water or cleaning agents to clean the frame. This should also be done for cleaning oil painting surfaces. The cloth should be made of soft materials, such as eyeglass cloth or similar materials, rather than rough fabrics, to avoid scratching glass, etc. In daily collection, although we do not have professional equipment and repair skills like museums, understanding more about art conservation knowledge can greatly reduce risks and properly preserve our beloved collections