Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Autographed Memorabilia
, by David Riska, 2 min reading time
If you're a collector of autographed memorabilia, preserving the quality of your items is paramount. As a diehard Washington fan, we picked up a John Riggins Autographed Football at a flea market recently. It was really cheap because the ball was old (1983) and left unprotected by it's owner, so the leather was scratching off and causing a loss of the the autograph the collector cherished. Don't let this happen to your autographed memorabilia!! Unfortunately, we could not restore all the damage and loss that had already occurred, but we assure you this ball and autograph will stay intact as is for a long time now.
Here's a concise guide on how to keep those valuable signatures from fading, scratching, or other potential damages:
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Use Museum Glass: Opt for conservation museum glass for framing and storage. It offers 99% UV protection to prevent fading caused by sunlight and indoor lighting.
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UV Protection for Collectibles: For baseballs, cards, and Funko Pops, use UV-protected holders like UltraPro. These are readily available at sports memorabilia shops and online platforms like eBay and Amazon.
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Choose Quality Storage Options: Avoid low-quality plastic holders that don't offer UV protection. Instead, invest in higher-quality options that guarantee to preserve the ink and material of the collectible.
John Riggins Autographed Football
UV Protected Spray on ball (ball was decaying prior to spray)
and UV Protected Display Case
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Protect Photos and Documents: Use Itoya photo albums for storing photos. They feature anti-acid resistant backing which protects against scratches and environmental damages. For larger items like posters, consider art portfolio cases.
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Balls and Other Game Used Materials (such as Bats and Gloves) - Consider using a UV protectant clear spray. We prefer the following UV Spray from Amazon. It dries quickly with no clear visible coat.
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Display and Storage Tips: Keep collectibles out of direct sunlight and in a climate-controlled environment to prevent degradation. Regularly inspect your display setups to ensure they continue to offer adequate protection.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your autographed memorabilia remains in top condition, safeguarding both its physical appearance and its value over time. Always consider professional advice for expensive or rare items, and don't hesitate to invest in the best protective materials available. Happy collecting!
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, by David Riska Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Autographed Memorabilia
