If possible, display plastic objects on interior shelves or in shaded areas to keep them from direct light exposure. It is also optimum to keep plastics away from heaters, windows, and any incandescent (or other heat-producing) light sources. Ensuring that the display area has a cool, stable, well-ventilated, and dust-free environment will also help mitigate degradation. For flexible objects, support the natural shape with a mount of non-plastic materials such as acid-free tissue paper, mylar, Ethafoam, or cardboard. This will prevent deformation from occurring down the road.
If placing a plastic object in storage, always avoid completely sealing the container to allow for ventilation.
Identifying Plastics
If you are curious about the types of plastics in your collection, here are some resources for diving deeper into qualitative identification:
Plastics Historical Society – The Identification of Plastics: http://plastiquarian.com/?page_id=14327
Museum of Design in Plastics – Identifying Plastics: https://plastic-en.tool.cultureelerfgoed.nl/
Museum of Design in Plastics – Plastics timeline: https://www.modip.ac.uk/projects/curators-guide/plastics-timeline
National Park Service – Care and Identification of Objects Made from Plastic (2010): https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/08-04.pdf
While most plastics need confirmation with analytical techniques, it can be fun to consider the rich histories plastic objects have come to represent in the 20th and 21st centuries and in your personal collections.
We hope you are enjoying these entries in our series focused on caring for your family heirlooms. This series will continue throughout the summer and cover a variety of items and materials. If you have any comments on the series thus far, including materials you’d like to see covered in future posts, please email us at art-conservation@udel.edu. The previous posts in this series are available on the Department of Art Conservation website here.
You are in our hearts and minds as collectively we face many challenges. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. When we emerge from this global crisis we must and will rely on art and culture, preserved for today and for future generations, to foster joy, well-being and hope. We encourage you to visit our web site for regular updates on our department of art conservation and news coverage of our treasured students and alumni at home and abroad.