Preservation of blades and armour in museums

[mariusgmioc]

Thank you for the very interesting replies!

So, controlled atmosphere and humidity seems to be the answer for the conservation in large museums.

It makes perfect sense as I don't even fathom how would be possible for large museums with thousands of pieces to re-wax periodically all their huge collections.

Thank you Alan for your insight! I am already using your "oil & foil" method on my krisses and the pedang I have and it works perfectly.

For the other blades, which I normally keep on display unsheathed, I use Renaissance Wax as it is quite easy to get, and while a tad pricey, one jar lasts quite long.

[A. G. Maisey]

I normally use wax for polished steel, my preference is Renaissance, but as I said, Antiquax is easier for me to get, and seems to be just as good. In fact, I've also used ordinary furniture wax at times, and that seems to work OK too.

The oil & lunchwrap --- or plastic film --- is very effective for textured surfaces.

I actually do not display much. I've got one keris in a blawong, and one tombak in a stand. That's all. The other several hundred items are in chests of drawers. I used to have a dedicated display room, but the work involved in keeping things clean and in premium condition was just too much.

[Victrix]

The link below from Picreator's website tells the story of Renaissance Wax and why it's so good (according to them).

http://picreator.co.uk/renaissance-wax/

[rickystl]

I too have had great success with Renaissance Wax. As mentioned, it's a bit pricey to purchase, but it's not expensive to use. Great product.

That said, I've also used the Johnson's paste wax that Philip mentions, and it also works well.

Rick

[rickystl]

"The other several hundred items are in chests of drawers. I used to have a dedicated display room, but the work involved in keeping things clean and in premium condition was just too much."


That's because we're all addicted and will never have enough room. LOL

Rick