As antiques collector, do you know the proper way of keeping your treasured valuables? Whatever purpose you may have in mind or heart in delving into antique collecting, care for those antique objects must given priority. Remember that the value of every piece increases as time goes by. The following are just a few tips you can consider in maintaining your pieces of antiques to last a lifetime:
- Know the particular care instructions required for the piece of antique that you have. Wherever you may have bought your piece, be sure that you have asked the dealer to furnish you a copy on how you can better take care of your piece. Aside from that, make your own research of how properly that piece has to be kept. (Note: Experienced antique collectors agree that some antique pieces need consistent cleaning and polishing in order to retain their good condition while some other pieces retain their good condition without applying anything on them).
- Know in which group of antiques your collection falls. Determining the category of the item you are in possession with helps not only in giving care for that items but also the kind of storage in which you can better keep your items.
Collectors used to have their favorite collectible items. Here are some of them and their proper cleaning instruction in order to retain their original value:
- On coin collections experts say that to leave them the way they are found is the best care.
- On ceramic items cleaning with the use of hot or lukewarm water with mild soap and damp cloth is good for these items especially if there are painted features.
- On brass pieces apply the paste made from patina or mixture of flour, vinegar and salt in cleaning. Rub it gently with the use of soft cloth piece.
- On furniture pieces ensure that no mildew can grow. Clean them regularly with water, detergent and bleach. Use hot water and lemon juice to remove adhesive substances.
- On bronze items use a damp cloth soaked in soap and water. (Note: Don’t ever use patina on bronze items as it can result to white spots which lead to the decrease of its value.
Avoid losing the value of your precious collections. Give the care necessary for each and every antique item you are in possession with. Remember, the worth of every item increases – that is if you are able to retain its real value as times go by.