Antiques – Tips on How You Should Care for Them (Antiques price guide)

February 25th, 2008

Tip! The other simple fact, is that most antiques that you are most likely to get a great deal on reside in the homes of people who are older. Young people do not, as a general rule have antiques in the abundance that older people do.

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For many antique collectors the taking care of their collection is very important to them. For some who have inherited a lovely collection of heirlooms, yet do not have any idea of how to look after them or even keeping up with the collection they already have as well as they should. By caring for these items correctly they will benefit from them in the future, as not only can they be passed on to their loved ones or they can be sold at a higher value in the future if so wished.

Below it provided some tips for which you should be able to care for your antiques and collectibles. There are many sites where you should be able to obtain more detailed information on how to look after your priceless treasures.

Firstly, we will look at caring for glass, porcelain or pottery antiques. Any items like these should be washed individually in a wash basin to prevent any damage (such as chipping). You should only ever wash them in warm water never hot or cold and with a gentle cleaner using a soft bristled brush. One thing you should NEVER do is put your antique glass, pottery or porcelain in a dishwasher (the extreme heat and detergent used can be extremely harmful). Also always allow each item to dry naturally and do not use a cloth on them to dry them.

Next we need to consider how you should display and store your collection. If you have a home where there are young children or generally lots of visitors then make sure that your glass, pottery and porcelain collections are kept in a safe place (cabinet) well away from the main flow of traffic in the house. Do not put the collection on shelves on walls, it only takes one small vibration to occur whether some one accidentally knocks against the shelf or some one knocks against the wall the shelf is on could mean the loss of your collection.

Tip! If antiques is your passion and you want to learn more the internet is a great resource of information, in fact, the antiques market has been growing in a phenomenal rate since the internet started catching on, people can trade and present antiques on Ebay and other auction sites. There is always a place for more people and more items on this market, and you may find out that its not that difficult to start doing things in the antiques market soon enough.

Now we will look at how to look after antique rugs and textiles. Any rugs or textiles that you have will need specialist care when either moving, storing or cleaning them. It is quite easy to cause damage (such as tearing) to occur when you move such items as the material they are made from is very delicate and so you make sure you move them slowly and carefully. If you must roll up an antique rug then ensure that the pile of the rug is facing outwards as this will prevent any damage or crushing to the item. Any antique garments that you have should at all times be hung on sturdy hangers and then covered in white cotton or rolled up using an acid free paper and then closed at either end and tied securely.

You can vacuum rugs and textiles, but only use a very low setting and always take extra care when you are vacuuming any textiles as you do not want to end up the suction being strong and causing fibers to be pulled apart. If you do happen to spill anything on the rug, then put white paper towels underneath the rug and above where the spill has occurred and replace them until no more liquid comes out. Should it be required, then contact an expert who will be able to clean it correctly. Also remember to keep an eye on the rug or textile and avoid it being exposed directly to either sun or humidity.

Tip! The decision to invest in antiques should be accompanied with appropriate research on antique items. Knowledge on things like the language used in the antique business and the market prices of antique items can help people avoid some of the most common mistakes that beginning antique collectors make and it can also help them get the most out of their money.

If you happened to have collected antique or collectible furniture you will need to dust it usually only a soft lint free cloth. Any wooden antique furniture that you have should be waxed usually only a quality bees wax and where at all possible avoid placing any furnishings in bright light or in to rooms which experience extreme changes in temperature or humidity as they will also cause damage. When moving antique furniture carry it out with extreme care never dragging, but always ensure that the furniture is lifted.

Many people find that having a valuable collection of either antiques or collectibles is a privilege and by ensuring that they take proper care of them will not only help to increase their value but it also means that they can be passed down from generation to generation.

Tip! Simon Oldmann has been experimenting with internet auction sites for some years now, he is writing about his experience in selling and buying Antiques online, Simon writes articles for ZupaTips.com.

Allison Thompson webmaster of this and several other sites after becoming a work at home mum who now lives in Spain. If you should require any further information please go to http://www.antiqueadventures.info

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Entry Filed under: English Antiques

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