How to Preserve Iron Relics
The preservation of iron relics is critical to a variety of different lay and professional historians and museum curators. Whether the relics are from the American Civil War or from the site of an ancient ship wreck, the failure to use proper preservation techniques can lead to the destruction of the relics. Fortunately, it possible to preserve iron relics through a process of careful cleaning, handling and storage. In this way, the contaminants that cause destruction and decay of iron will be eliminated or neutralized.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton gloves
- Cotton rags
- Storage shelves
- Ionized water
- Distilled water
- Vacuum
Instructions
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Avoid directly handling the relics in order to prevent salts and oils on the skin from contaminating the iron. Always use clean cotton gloves or rags to handle the iron. Further, never pick up the iron using a handle or other extended area as weak spots may have developed in the iron over time. Always lift the relics from their center of gravity.
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Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to lift dirt and debris from the surface of the relics. It may be necessary to use a bristle brush to help remove dust and debris from cracks or crevices. If wet cleaning is needed, use ionized or distilled water to avoid introducing potentially damaging salts and other impurities onto the surface of the relic.
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Store the iron relics in a location with relative humidity below 55 percent. Take care to avoid areas with rapidly fluctuating temperatures or where moisture can build up. Avoid potentially damp areas such as a basement or hot areas like an attic. Never place the relics in sealed plastic bags as moisture might develop. Prevent the accumulation of dust on the iron relics by draping plastic or cloth curtains over the shelves where the relics are stored.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
