Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Preserve maps before you store them. If a map needs to be folded, buy special separation sheets and put them in between the pages or folds of the maps. Inserting separation sheets helps prevent the map's pages from sticking and tearing when unfolded.
Insert an antique maps into very stiff, acid-free alkaline folders or shallow storage boxes. Storage boxes and folders made of cotton rag or with alkaline naturally inhibit acid damage to the antique maps; the firmness of the folder's sleeves helps provide extra protection against outside damage. If possible, always lay the antique maps flat when storing them.
Invest in a high-quality metal or wooden storage unit. Typically, the types of units that architects use to store blueprints and drawings are sufficient to store antique maps; storage drawers made of powder-coated steel and anodized aluminum provide optimum protection.
Choose a storage room that is dark, cool, dry and away from direct sunlight. Do not use fluorescent lights in the storage room. Use an ultraviolet light filtering apparatus on the lighting fixtures to make sure that no harmful rays damage the antique maps.
Control the storage room's temperature. Antique maps can be ruined and their value lost if they are exposed to temperatures that can fade or reduce the quality of the images on the map. Keep the storage room at a steady temperature of below 70 degrees F and at a relative humidity of between 35 and 50 percent at all times during the year so that mold growth won't be a problem.
Inspect the antique maps for foxing and mold due to temperature changes. If the antique maps indicate this type of damage, have them repaired or restored immediately.
Check the storage room for evidence of vermin infestation regularly. Pay particular attention for signs of rodents, silverfish, book lice and worms; infestations of this nature can severely damage antique maps as these vermin are attracted to the antique map's paper.