Preserving
and Protecting Your Coca Cola Collectibles
First and foremost as
an avid collector you'll want to leave all items in their original
packaging to maintain optimum value. Bottles should remain with
full contents and original caps for instance. But there are other
considerations when it comes to preserving or displaying your
ever-growing investment.
1. Think Acid-Free!
In its natural state the tree, from which paperboard
is produced, absorbs numerous chemicals from the air and ground
and is highly acidic by nature. Untreated paper pulp is very acidic
as well. The acid in untreated paperboard tends to leach the color
out of objects it comes into contact with. Think of old family
photos that yellow and fade with time. This inherent acidity also
makes papers and boxes become brittle and have a tendency to fall
apart.
2. Control
Temperature!
Extreme temperatures and high humidity accelerate
the destructive effect of acid on your collectibles. Temperatures
above 80 and below 50 degrees represent potential hazards for
the paint and stability of liquids in many collectibles. The expansion
and contraction of paint on a daily basis in attics, for example,
will tend to cause microscopic cracks in painted surfaces. Humidity
above 60% can deteriorate your collectibles. Some of the more
common moisture deterioration are rust, corrosion, mold and mildew.
For Coke cans and bottles freezing is devastating. Storage in
garages or unheated attics during winter can wipe out an entire
collection.
3. Handle with
Care!
Some collectors use cotton gloves when handling unpackaged
or loose vintage pieces of their collections. Hands carry oil
and dirt that can mark and ultimately destroy collectibles. Always
wash your hands thoroughly, preferably with oil-free soap, before
handling especially paper and fabric-covered collectibles with
your bare hands.
4. Keep Under
Wraps!
The best method for preserving all collectibles is
to store them in dust-free containers or have them framed. Collectibles
like animation cels, artwork, and dry serve wraps should be framed
or stored in mylar sleeves and art portfolios. Plastic display
cases should be acid-free and are great for storing bean bags,
diecast vehicles, porcelain objects, and figurines. These keep
the collectible dust-free and easy to see without handling. If
there is a smoker in the house, protect your collection from the
harmful effects of smoke smell and chemicals in a zipper-style
plastic bag or plastic case. (Acid-free of course)
5. Clean with
Care!
Simple dusting will keep most collectibles looking
their best. Use compressed air, a feather duster or paint brush
to gently remove any dust or dirt. If you don't trust your cleaning
skills, seek the help of a professional restorer for artwork and
animation cels. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain objects can be bathed
in lukewarm water with a mild soap. Be sure to rinse and completely
dry so soap residue will not attract more dust once it has dried.
6. Store without
Touching!
For collectibles like ornaments and plates that spend
more time in storage than most, it's important to store in rigid
boxes with compartments or dividers to avoid the pieces touching
each other. Acid-free cardboard boxes or hard plastic boxes are
the most common. Beware of trapped moisture with plastic boxes.
All items must be thoroughly dried when stored. For bean bags
use acid-free tag protectors.
7. Insure your
Collection!
No matter how big or small your Coca-Cola collection
may be, you should consider insuring your valuables in case of
theft, fire, flood or destruction. Most small collections are
already covered under homeowners insurance. For especially large
collections, rare pieces or collections above your insurance's
limits, you may wish to consider getting a rider and professional
appraisal. If you have a question, ask your insurance representative.
Keep an up-to-date listing of your collection with original receipts,
photos and certificates of authenticity in a safe place.
*Taken from original manuscript
for "Coca-Cola Collectible Polar Bears" written
by Linda Lee Harry
