DAMAGE PREVENTION AND ADVICE

Damage

In most cases, damage is caused by carelessness. A valuable item may be accidentally knocked from a shelf, a painting or mirror may not be firmly enough hung on a wall. As well as genuine wear and tear, there can be unfortunate damage from a third party, unfortunately often a burglar. Most damage occurs because of carelessness, water spilling on furniture or hot objects placed directly onto the surface. There could also be fading caused by sunlight or dampness getting behind frames of pictures. In fact dampness can cause damage to almost all types of items.

Pieces displayed in cabinets are generally safer than those that are not, since they are less likely to be touched or moved and will not collect dust as quickly as exposed pieces. Even those in cabinets will eventually need cleaning. For instance, although Meissen porcelain is very hard and cannot be easily cut or scratched, it still needs to be handled with great care. Whilst collectors and dealers have, by experience, learned to take the necessary steps to ensure damage does not occur, the novice may soon discover how easily damage can occur.

Avoiding Damage

Ceramics, particularly figurines are especially susceptible to damage, even from careful dusting. Fingers, toes, flowers and other protrusions on a figure are easily damaged by even a fine cloth. Therefore use only a soft paintbrush or make-up brush and gently stroke the surface of the piece to lift the dust. If a valuable item is placed too close to the edge of a shelf or cabinet there is always the chance of someone brushing against it and it falling to the floor. See the video on the home page of this site. Avoid extremes of temperature or direct sunlight as, in time, this can make part of an item fade. Furniture exposed to strong sunlight or heat can warp. If you wish to clean a valuable piece, soak it in luke-warm water with a very mild detergent, rinse and then leave to dry naturally.