How to Hold Collector Plates in Place on Plate Racks

Securing a collector plate into a hutch or onto a plate rack can be a tricky situation unless the proper products are used. Museums use a clear gel to hold artifacts and breakable items in place. According to The Container Store, museum gel is "Completely removable, reusable and non-toxic, the gel is a type of liquid plastic that reacts to the size and weight of the object being secured to create a customized, secure bond between the object and display surface." Apply a little gel or putty to your plates to keep them securely in place on your plate rack.

Things You'll Need

• Clear museum gel or neutral museum putty
• Collector plate
• Plate rack

Instructions

1. Roll a pea-sized ball of museum gel or putty between your fingers. If necessary, you can stretch the ball into a small strip to cover more of the plate edge.

2. Stick the balls of museum gel or putty to the edges of the collector plate that will come in contact with the plate rack.

3. Press the collector plate onto the plate rack, pressing the ball of gel or putty onto the plate rack.

4. Add extra balls or strips of museum gel or putty to the front and back of the plate edge and onto the plate rack if the plate is heavy or large. If the plate leans up against a wall, such as in an open-backed plate rack, you can also put a ball of gel or putty behind the plate and affix it to the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Neutral colored putty is good for ceramics or other same-colored items. The clear gel works best for fine crystal and other transparent objects. It is also suitable for all other china regardless of the color or patterns.

• Long time use of museum gel or putty may dull or remove paint.

References

• Clear Museum Gel and Putty
• The Container Store