How to Care for Antique Maps

Caring for antique maps is an important part of owning them. Your antique maps can hold or increase their value and stay in the condition they were in when you bought them by following these simple steps. Your investment in their care reflects your respect for them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Protect antique maps. Use acid-free alkaline folders or shallow boxes to store and protect them from outside damage. Always lay the maps flat in the chosen protective covers or boxes.
2. Consider framing antique maps if you own a copy machine, have constant construction going on in or around your home, a new carpet, many janitorial supplies or wooden cabinets. Acid-free frames provide tightly-sealed containers that can protect antique maps from the damage from outside sources.
3. Store antique maps in a dark, cool and dry place. Avoid bathrooms, basements, attics and warm areas for antique map storage spaces.
4. Maintain a steady temperature in the antique map's storage room. Avoid fluctuations in climate or temperature at all costs. Keep the antique map storage area at or below 70 degrees F; make sure the relative humidity of the room is between 35 and 50 percent.
5. Watch lighting. Keep antique maps away from direct sunlight and florescent lighting. Cover lights with ultraviolet filters. If you intend to frame the antique maps, choose material for frames that deters moisture and ultraviolet light infiltration.
6. Inspect the storage room for vermin, mold and foxing. Use dehumidifiers in the summer and keep fans running in your storage room so that mold can't flourish.
7. Insure the antique maps. Choose policies that compliment your needs and the quality of your maps.
8. Handle antique maps carefully. Prohibit food and drinks in the room where you store your antique maps. Allow only those who have experience with antique maps the privilege of handling them with bare hands. Make sure that all people interested in your antique maps thoroughly wash and dry their hands before entering the room.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid hanging maps above fireplaces and radiators.
• Refrain from using staples, paper clips or adhesive and adhesive materials like scotch tape on your antique maps and in antique map frames.