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How to Preserve Historical Documents and Artifacts

“What conservation supplies and kinds of preservation equipment did they use to conserve and preserve these historical documents and artifacts?”, are probably some of the questions running in your mind when you’re visiting a museum for learning purposes or for simply visiting one. Do not worry, your questions will be answered through this article as this will provide you with knowledge as to how historical documents and artifacts are being preserved and conserved in museums.

How to Preserve Historical Documents and Artifacts Here are some ways historians are preserving and conserving historical documents and artifacts in museums.

By Choosing the Right Location By saying choosing the right location. The location mentioned here refers to the physical location of the storage building and the environmental dangers that the area could pose to the building. Though, understandably, no place will always be safe from all-natural or man-made disasters.

There is still a possibility and there is still a chance for historians and preservationists to choose a location that minimizes known risks such as flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes. Choosing a location where flooding, wildfires, and earthquakes are rarely experienced is the best option to avoid the need to move every time.

By Putting them in Acid-Free and Lignin-Free Storage The second right way to preserve and conserve historical documents and artifacts is by putting them in an acid-free and lignin-free enclosure. This is because this type of storage is designed to resist the deterioration that acidic paper products cause in the long run.

Since choosing and selecting the right materials is one of the first crucial steps in the process of preservation, it would always best to choose storage or enclosures that can act as a barrier against natural aging, pollutants, and light damage, as well as storage where you can keep historical documents and artifacts to safeguard the valuable history of the world.

By Inspecting Historical Documents and Artifacts Regularly Another proper way of conserving and preserving historical documents and artifacts, aside from using quality preservation equipment, is to inspect them regularly. This is especially true for historical documents and papers. You know and understand that papers are sensitive to the attack of different kinds of pests like silverfish and roaches.

That is why the best way to conserve and preserve historical papers and documents is to regularly check for insect and pest infestation.

By Digitization The fourth way to preserve and conserve historical documents and papers is to digitalize them. Since historical documents are crucial for research and study purposes but they are always at risk of danger, digitization of these documents is one way to protect them because it will not only grant people unlimited access to fragile materials but also the risk of further deterioration is reduced.

Aside from reducing the risk of deterioration, digitization also increases the lifespan of historical documents in good condition. This is because all originals can be safely stored in the optimal storage and environment. By digitalizing these important documents, neither accessibility nor material safety needs to be sacrificed.

By Properly Handling Historical Documents and Artifacts Last but not least, one of the essential ways to preserve and conserve historical documents and artifacts is to always properly and carefully handle them. Make sure to always clean your hands before holding or touching these historical artifacts and you should also use nitrile gloves to prevent the transfer of oils and dirt.

On the other hand, when handling historical documents, you should always see to it that you are holding them by the edges and supporting them fully when moving them. This is because your negligence in handling them can cause tears or creases to the paper that may become permanent.

In Conclusion Now that you know some important ways to preserve and conserve historical documents and artifacts aside from using and purchasing top-notch and reliable preservation equipment from your trusted store. Always keep in mind these proper ways and rest assured that you will never fail in taking care, conserving, and preserving your important historical materials and documents.

When you need to purchase top-notch and reliable equipment to further conserve and preserve these materials before keeping or displaying them, do not hesitate to buy them from a trusted store that has been in the business of designing, building, and selling art conservation, restoration, and preservation equipment.

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Timeless Masterpieces: The Significance of Art Value

You might be wondering why some artworks are worth millions and in some cases during auctions, they can reach billions. What makes an art piece worth so much? Is it worth enough to be called an investment? Why are some even considered masterpieces and some art not? Why do some art enthusiasts develop conservation tools, materials, and preservation equipment to keep them to their perfect state?

It is about value! It all comes down with the value which influences restorationists' decision to determine whether an art piece is worth saving or not. It grasps a lot of factors that make it priceless and most valuable, therefore, to some a good investment. To fully understand how art pieces are considered a timeless masterpiece, read further!

Scarcity The rarity of an art does not always equate quality. Sometimes, its added intriguing effect makes it an impactful force, therefore making it rare. However, it is not only focused on such factors. Other factors include its scarcity in the market, unusual medium or subject used, limited volume, and unexpected idiosyncrasy.

An art’s rarity in the market means that the art is presented or rarely surfaces for the public. While an edition is sold out, impressions also become rare.

Unique Art has always been a powerful and impactful medium of communication. Through it, it may unleash an artist’s own creative way of personal expression. Every artist has his or her own creative style that can distinguish him or her from or above other artists. The art may hold a characteristic of uniqueness if it displays the artist’s personality too and not the same tools used to make the art.

Historical Significance Historically, art became a medium to tell or evoke stories. Some are used as a means to worship God. A piece of art becomes a valuable piece in museums and institutions when they display a relevant role or major significance in history.

Cultural and/or Societal Reflection Another of importance that affects the value of art is its contribution or significance in a culture or society. This is when such art is kept in museums or high-end institutions and are not up for sale. Just like some arts that hold historical significance, they are important as they enrich cultural practices too.

Ripple Effect on Viewers and/or Community When a message portrayed in an art has an effect on its viewers and creates a ripple effect or can manipulate the understanding of people, then that is one characteristic that makes an art truly valuable. These kinds of art are the ones worth saving if in instances, a part of them is damaged. With meticulous techniques using the proper and right preservation equipment, it will make the restoration process possible.

If you own an art that holds any of these values, then you should start having a curator or art expert look into it to see whether it is of historical or cultural value. Do not try to restore it yourself even if you have the conservation tools because you might make it worse. Leave the restoration to the pros.

The Artist The maker or creator of the art itself also plays a crucial role in determining the value. Let’s say, when someone of high social standing or status paints, it can fetch millions. However, this is not always the case. Some painters have earned their right to be famous for their extraordinary creations that became masterpieces nowadays. Surely, you can name a few of them.

There are also times when if one art becomes famous, other creations made by the same artists follow. If you are an aspiring artist and looking forward to making your mark in the field of art, make your creative passion known and stand out by creating your own signature or art style.

Condition This is the most important factor that affects the value of an art. If an art has parts of it that were damaged by mold or other element-related factors, you can have expert art conservationists or preservationists provide you with the restoration services you need. As mentioned above, do not take matters into your own hands as you might further the damage. Leave it to the hands of the right service providers who have the most high-tech instruments, right tools, and art equipment for repair.

In Conclusion These values determine if an art becomes a masterpiece. If you happen to own an art, let’s say, a painting passed down from your ancestors, having an expert eye look at it can fetch you some handsome price. Or, if you own an art and do not have the slightest intention to sell yet a part of it needs restoration services, contact someone who can give you the services you need. Do not attempt to make any sort of DIY methods just because you have the conservation supplies.

Remember that in order to make an outstanding restoration, you have to also possess and master the art of techniques and methods.

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Preservation 101: Essential Equipment for Protecting Artifacts and Cultural Heritage

Advanced and reliable conservation supplies are a must if you want to keep and preserve things and objects that are important and are pieces of evidence of history. To properly and effectively keep and protect these objects the right, effective, and most reliable tools and supplies are essential. Use these pieces and proper equipment and rest assured that shreds of evidence from the history will be properly kept and secured.

Essential Equipment for Protecting Artifacts and Cultural Heritage Here are some of the many pieces of equipment you can use to protect artifacts and cultural heritage.

Anoxia Disinfestation Chamber The first essential equipment being used in museums to protect artifacts and cultural heritage is an automatic anoxia disinfestation chamber. This equipment is used for curing and prevention. It is used for the long and systematic treatment of documents and archival materials as well as other cultural heritage sites.

UV “Book Sterilizer” Another piece of equipment that is important to preserve and protect artifacts and cultural heritage is the UV “book sterilizer”. This equipment is the perfect tool to use in public and university libraries, schools, children’s centers, and much more. This piece of equipment will sterilize up to 6 books at once in 30 seconds. It is also 99.9% trusted and effective.

Conservation Cleaning Machine CST W800 The third essential piece of equipment to keep and preserve artifacts and cultural heritage is the conservation cleaning machine CST W800. You can trust that this piece of equipment is designed to provide efficient removal of dust or fumes. It also provides excellent working ergonomics and is suitable for precise work when sitting is required.

Vacuum Table LPT The next crucial preservation equipment needed to preserve and protect artifacts and cultural heritage is the vacuum table LPT. This piece of equipment is standard for processing paper, parchment, textiles, and many other works for the preservation of collections worldwide. This is an equipment or a system that is a high-quality, affordable solution capable of meeting the requirements of conservatives.

Laboratory Hood "Conservation LabCam" Another important piece of equipment to preserve and keep artifacts and cultural heritage is the laboratory hood “conservative lab cam”. Laboratory fume hoods are used to protect the laboratory environment and the operator during general chemical applications and also to clean valuable collections from mold.

This equipment actively protects the operator from inhalation of toxic fumes and dust. The environment can also be protected by installing a suitable filter.

Flexible Laboratory Extractors with Multi-Joint Arm The sixth crucial piece of equipment used to preserve and secure artifacts and cultural heritage is the flexible laboratory extractors with multi-joint arms. This piece of equipment’s extractor can be connected to single or multiple joints according to actual conditions.

The application of this equipment includes the electronic industry, soldering, laboratories, beauty salons, metal processing workshops, jewelry processing workshops, schools, factories, chemical laboratories, machining workshops, and others. It can also be installed in different ways like vertically, hanging, or fixed to a wall or ceiling.

Ultrasonic Humidifier The seventh crucial piece of equipment that you need to preserve and keep artifacts and cultural heritage is an ultrasonic humidifier. An ultrasonic humidifier is the kind of equipment that provides a reliable flow of extremely fine cold mist. The fine nozzle, which is equipped with the hose set allows work on small spots. On the other hand, the other attachment is for spreading fog over a wider area.

Humidifiers "Conservation Humi" The last essential equipment in this article to preserve or conserve artifacts and cultural artifacts is the humidifier also called “conservation humi”. It is known that humidifiers are used in archives, museums, industry, art depots, and offices. This is because, during winter months, the dry climate in the premises must be counteracted and in the summer months, the devices are also used as air purifiers with activated carbon filters.

Finally Now that you know some of the many essential pieces of preservation equipment used to protect and preserve artifacts and cultural heritage. If there is something very important to you that you want to keep and conserve make sure to buy the highest quality, right, and reliable tools from a professional and trusted distributor or business.

Rest assured that if you buy the pieces of equipment you will use to conserve your artifacts and cultural heritage, you will be able to preserve and keep them properly and effectively.

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The Importance of Preserving Artifacts

Historical artifacts are one of the most essential factors that represent a powerful connection to our past. Archeologists search for and study old and vintage things that can be considered artifacts. Once they suspect that they are valuable items to be unveiled at excavation sites using conservation supplies, they will have to think about how to preserve and protect them before displaying them in museums.

Importance and Benefits of Preserving Artifacts Here are some of the reasons and importance why we have to preserve and conserve artifacts that connect us to the past.

To Prevent Further Damages When a person uncovers something old but important to them, the first thing they do is keep them away from hazards like light, temperature, high humidity, pests, and other pollutants. Why? To protect them and prevent them from getting further damage, especially if they are vintage. For example, old and important things like paper, textiles, and other memorabilia that can easily be inhabited by mold should be kept in an open space with a controlled climate. Meanwhile, photographs are usually placed in museum storage cabinets along with leather artifacts and other natural items. This is because these historical findings are very sensitive to light.

To Remember, Learn About, and Honor Those Who Were Involved In an interview, Joe Daniels, the former CEO of the museum, stated, “The protection of the artifacts is so important because we want them to be around a hundred years from now to tell this very important part of American history.” So, when archeologists conserve and preserve artifacts, they not only retain the condition of those artifacts, but they also preserve and conserve the truth of the historical story for generations to come.

To Connect Us With Our History Conserving and preserving artifacts will help people connect with history. Whether it is recent history or the ancient past. Historians can only hypothesize and postulate as to the likely conditions, cultures, and day-to-day life in bygone eras. However, the artifacts uncovered, discovered, and preserved using top-notch preservation equipment by archeologists at different sites from all over the world offer people a truly tangible means of contemplating where we came from. Thus, conserving and preserving artifacts is a vital means of protecting the physical validations of the past and our ancestors.

To Help Us Understand History It is also important to preserve and conserve artifacts, as it helps people learn more about historical events. But this is only possible if those artifacts are ensured to remain in good condition. This is so that they stay a tangible part of history for many years to come. If and only if these valuable items are conserved using careful long-term artifact preservation and storage methods, research centers can use them to prove many hypotheses presented by historians contemplating our past. Moreover, items and objects from the recent and ancient past also let people honor those who played memorable roles in shaping history.

To Bring People Together Another importance of preserving artifacts is the fact that these findings can connect two different cultures. They have a powerful effect on increasing tolerance for others. These old and preserved objects motivate people to be generous towards others and can elevate people’s spirits as connected communities. Aside from that, they also create a unifying force that helps people feel grounded, and they ensure people stay connected to different cultures around the world. Every culture has been influenced by another at some point in history, resulting in a rich cultural heritage that affects all aspects of people's lives.

Finally Now that you know the importance of conserving and preserving artifacts, do you appreciate and realize the effort and contribution of archeologists and historians in people's daily lives and history? Do you now understand and realize how important artifacts are as tangible evidence and proof of the lives of our ancestors?

Long-term artifact preservation, storage, and conservation using top-notch and reliable preservation equipment is crucial to ensuring that artifacts remain a tangible and visible part of history for many more years to come. Artifact preservation is a laborious process, but with the right equipment and people to do it, rest assured that these objects, ranging from pottery to dinosaur bones to writings on ancient scrolls, can be kept for the benefit of the future.

Look, choose, and buy the best and most trusted preservation equipment from the best museum services, and it is guaranteed that artifacts will last for the longest period.

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Art Preservation and Conservation: All the Things You Need to Know

Appropriate and proper conservation supplies should be used if you want to preserve and conserve art pieces. Using the right supplies and equipment will help the art pieces prolong their functionality, aesthetic appearance, and value. You will also be able to protect the story and history of a particular art piece if you use the right conservation supplies and preservation equipment.

All the Things You Need to Know About Art Conservation and Preservation Here are the important things you need to know about the conservation and preservation of art pieces.

What is Art Conservation and Preservation? Art conservation and preservation have different meanings. Art preservation is the process of protecting historical and cultural sites and things from human impact and misuse. On the other hand, art conservation is the protection of historical and cultural sites as well as artifacts by regulating human activity and not outright eliminating humans from the sites.

When you say art conservation, this is the process of documenting, stabilizing, and preserving objects. Conservation also combines historical research, scientific analysis, and material science. All of these aspects and factors work together to create conservation treatment and maintenance plans. Moreover, the process of art conservation can be applied to almost any type of object, regardless of whether it is a 200-year-old painting or a brand new public art sculpture.

Why is Art Conservation Important?

To Protect Community Culture One of the important reasons why people should conserve art is to protect the community’s culture. Since artists work hard to create pieces that inspire change, document the present, and respect the past, their hard work must be conserved for the education of the coming generations. Furthermore, conserving the arts also protects the artists’ ideas and the culture that inspired and motivated them.

To Keep the History Intact One of the goals of art conservation is to maintain an object’s integrity for as long as possible. Conservation efforts and the proper preservation equipment are what have kept historical sites and objects such as ancient cultural history artifacts, paintings, and thousands of cultural objects around the world in proper condition for so long.

Conservation Tips Every Art Collector Should Know 1. Protecting Your Investment and the Art You Love Protecting and conserving your art pieces from the very start will save you from spending large amounts of money and experiencing stress, and you will also be able to preserve the art you love.

2. Hiring an Art Conservator Having a professional art conservator by your side to take care of your collection is a must. This is because a professional conservator’s main goal is to stabilize the damage to an art piece while retaining its original material as much as possible. They will also employ the best quality materials and carefully consider the best methods possible.

3. Framing Framing your art collection, especially your painting collection, is a form of investment. Choose the right glass to protect your painting collections from the elements. Some of the glasses you can choose from are Non-Glare Glass, Plexiglass, and Museum Glass.

The Process of Conservation There are three steps included in the process of conservation. These steps are condition assessment, conservation treatment, and maintenance. The first step is a condition assessment. In this step, professionals will identify which objects need to be prioritized for conservation efforts. They will determine which pieces need care and how to prioritize them.

The next step is conservation treatment. In this step, professional conservators will complete the treatment recommendations that were made within the condition assessments. The completion will depend on the intricacies of each object and the requirements of the work. Finally, the last step in the process of conservation is maintenance. The final step will continue to keep your collection in proper condition for the rest of its life.

Bottomline These are only some of the essential things you need to know about art conservation and preservation. Keep in mind that if you want to conserve and preserve the art pieces that you have, using the correct and accurate conservation supplies and preservation equipment to maintain them is essential. Choosing the right and best professionals as well as products and materials is also crucial to preserving and conserving your cherished art pieces.

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How Art Museums Protect Paintings and Masterpieces

While some are following guidelines and methods in preserving their paintings, some paintings are preciously stored in art museums because they have conservator-restorers who are experts in a variety of methods of art preservation. Also, museums are better equipped with different preservation equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.

Fire-resistance

Though sprinkler systems are installed in every establishment, there is a reason why it is preferred to have reinforced-concrete walls in art museums. This is to make it resistant to fire outbreaks by covering the wall with specialized travertine and crushed stones. Also, plants that are also resistant to fire and can hold water are placed close to areas that have a high possibility of any potential outbreaks. Moreover, there are more measures taken to avoid or reduce hazards from smoke, extreme heat, and any internal or external factors.

Flood Walls

Safety and protective measures are also installed to save artifacts in museums. With the advancement and developments in technology, flood-protection systems are now used. This kind of system has specialized, state-of-the-art automatic floodgates to prevent water damage caused by disasters such as floods and storms. This invention helps fend off disasters by reducing and withstanding impacts.

Sprinklers

While sprinklers are installed in museums, it is still important to consider which type is best to avoid damaging mounted paintings. Here are three types of sprinkler systems that museums can choose from. These are:

NFPA 13 or the water-based fire sprinkler system

NFPA 2001 or NFPA 12A (Gaseous or clean agent systems)

NFPA 750 or the water mist systems.

Ventilation, Light and Air Ventilation

Proper ventilation systems inside art museums not only provide the perfect ambiance and experience for visitors but are also critical to the preservation of invaluable art pieces. You might wonder why, at times, galleries and museums are often dim, and you find yourself adjusting your eyes to have a better look around you. This is because some art pieces react differently to light. Museum conservators use the “lux” method of measuring light to monitor and record the exposure of the art pieces to light.

Foldable Walls

Foldable walls are also known as movable walls, demountable walls, or mobile museum walls. These are usually lightweight panels that are easily set up. They are of varying sizes and flexible, which makes them perfect during exhibitions. Also, they are made of durable, recycled materials but are flame-retardant.

Vibration Sensors

The invention of vibration sensors helps in detecting possible damage that is taking place inside the museum. The slightest pressure on the art pieces triggers the sensors and alerts security. Moreover, vibration sensors are also customizable, so that even the slightest touch or vibration can trigger the system.

Special Glass

You might be wondering why some art pieces are placed in special glasses. This not only protects the paintings from curious hands but also prevents UV rays from damaging the pieces. Most of these special glasses are equipped with coatings that block UV rays, so they act as filters.

Motion Detector Like vibration sensors, motion detectors are primarily built to send signals or noises alarming security. However, this system is alerting for either intruders or possible thieves. Motion detectors are generally placed in entrances, exits, windows, and air ducts.

There are also other preservation equipment and tools used to keep masterpieces and paintings safe.

Static Storage Static storage systems or slotted multi-purpose shelves are methods used for storing different sizes of paintings. Either in a horizontal or vertical orientation, these storage systems are also designed to accommodate more than one piece.

Sliding Screens This type of storage method is the most convenient and allows for easy examination or viewing. It also makes the retrieval of the painting or art piece easier in an emergency. These are also customizable to accommodate more space for big-sized art pieces.

Devices for Display High-quality conservation tools and supplies should be used, especially when paintings are of high value. Some tools or devices are also of varied purposes and can support heavy paintings. Special types of screw eyes, D-rings, and metal cleat hangers are usually the chosen devices, depending on the weight of the masterpieces.

However, there are also other high-quality conservation supplies, products, and materials crafted by expert designers that museum conservators use to protect masterpieces.

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The Art of Restoration With the Use of Modern Technologies

Generally, the purpose and objective of art restoration are to use meticulous means and tools to preserve, restore, repair, and save a piece from further damage, increase its value, and allow future generations to see and appreciate it. Professionals and museums now use the art of restoration to preserve cultural heritage and history by maintaining and enhancing works of art.

Though the restoration process takes months to accomplish and is costly and time-consuming, it also depends on the preservation equipment, conservation tools and supplies, and techniques needed to fully restore and preserve the piece.

Here is the process by which restoration and conservation are done:

Conditions Assessment

A condition assessment is a thorough documentation and examination of the existing conditions of the artwork. This documents and identifies the damaged areas, such as staining, tearing, discoloration, and flaking. During the assessment, solvent tests are done to determine the cleaning or removal methods that are suitably appropriate to the materials used in the art piece. It is also to determine if there are any existing incompatible finishes and come up with solutions, quality products, and machines to use in the restoration process.

Conservation Treatment

This is a complete and specific list of recommendations and treatments needed in the restoration process. Thorough and vigorous research and tests are done, and all the conservation supplies are purchased.

Restoration Technologies

With the emergence of different technologies, so are the techniques for restoring art pieces in the best and most efficient way. These technologies include:

Visualization Technologies The process of visualization is used in examining pieces and seeing the underneath layers of dirt meticulously to determine more detail and the layers of the art piece. The visualization process is done through either an X-ray or computer tomography (CT) scan. These processes are perfect for seeing older layers, either done by the artist or attempts done by previous restorers. Instead of using manual techniques, the X-ray method is easier to distinguish and reveals the varied layers underneath, while CT scans are best for three-dimensional works.

Medical-grade Microscopes A closer view of the surface is frequently achieved by restorers using medical-grade microscopes. Using the microscope method includes detailing repairs through the micrometer or millimeter view. This form of microscope makes cleaning and retouching the piece safer and more accurate.

Infrared Cameras Art enthusiasts are interested in the original intentions of an artist, and through deeper research, they can unlock a better idea or gather invaluable information to achieve their goal of flawless restoration. The use of infrared cameras is best for this purpose. Infrared light enables reflection off the original surface and shows the original look of the artwork.

Cleaning Technologies The cleaning procedure is the most difficult part of the restoration process. This involves rigorous work in thoroughly removing bacteria, mold, dirt, soot, or varnish. As some methods are proven to be effective, some have been too rough or abrasive, which can lead to further damage. However, there are other options used in the cleaning process for restoring valuable art pieces.

Laser Ablation Method This cleaning technique enables the easy removal of dirt and varnish in a gentler way. Unlike manual cleaning, laser ablation does not require solvents or other potent chemicals or products in the restoration process. Though this process is dangerous to use as it uses a single wavelength to heat and expel the dirt and varnish particles, professional restorers have to estimate the exact time of its use. Prolonged use of this method can cause the unwanted removal of pigment in the art.

Nanotechnology While the use of bacterial cleaning seems to prove effective in the cleaning process, some have found it futile as it metabolizes gases that can cause more damage. However, professionals found the use of nanotechnology gentler without the use of harsh solvents or chemicals. With nanotechnology, the discovery of appropriate types and sizes of molecules proved more effective in cleaning and repairing artwork.

Digital Art Restoration As restorers collaborate with digital artists and scientists, the restoration process seems to be easier. However, it is a complicated process as there are color specifications and it must retain the artist’s original work. But with lots of effort from both parties, the result can be successfully preserved in digital media.

Though with the use of effective tools and appropriate preservation equipment, technologies in the restoration process of art pieces also proved to be useful. In that, it has given a chance or privilege for future generations to admire a part of history that has remained intact through an artist’s masterpiece.