|
Storage of Vintage Clothing and Textiles
Antique textiles must be stored in a cool, dry and dark space with temperature control between 60-70 degrees and humidity control between 45-55 %.
FLAT STORAGE
Textiles may be stored flat in drawers or boxes. Use caution every time you handle textiles that have been stored flat. Use both hands in order to distribute the weight or use handling trays. You can even purchase a cookie sheet and designated for exclusive use with your textiles. A stiff piece of acid-free cardboard can also be used to handle and transport textiles. Once you place textiles on a drawer or box you should also separate specimens with muslin or acid-free paper. It is always better to store similar objects together and avoid overfilling boxes or drawers. Textiles placed on flat storage should be folded as little as possible and fold lines should be changed periodically.
WOOD
Most types of wood release some form of acid that is potentially damaging for textiles. SOLID WOOD with LOW EMISIONS and recommended for textile storage include: Mahogany
Walnut
Spruce
Poplar
Balsa
WOOD TYPES with SEVERE EMISION include:
Oak
Red Cedar
Chestnut
Douglas Fir
Teak
To protect textiles from acid producing woods you can line wood drawers or chests with any of the following materials that will provide a “barrier” between the textile and the wood:
Polyester or Polyethylene film
(Mylar or Marvelseal)
Acid free paper or cardboard
Cotton muslin
Tyvek
Galvanized or Stainless steel
Aluminum
Acrylic
Glass
Use rust resistance staples or nails and acid-free glue if you need to affix any of the previously mentioned barriers.
You must also be aware of what type of sealant is used on wood furniture pieces used to store antique textiles. ACCEPTABLE sealants on wood include:
Shellac
Air-Drying lacquers
Acrylic latex
Polyurethane varnish
Sealants on Wood
NOT ACCEPTABLE sealants include:
Oil-based sealer
Lead based
Alkyd resin
Nitrocellulose lacquers
|
Care of Historic Clothing and Textiles 
