Question of the members who frame and display their memorabilia...

[Shackmsu]

Originally Posted by conor912

I've seen some get taped in, others get carefully sewn in. I actually used fabric as the backdrop and then just used tension to hold them up against the glass. I would never do that with a card or photo, but with cloth I don't see any harm in it.

Thanks for the advice. Will look into this, I've got a great framer who is up on how to adhere items to a backing without ruining the integrity of the piece.

[jchcollins]

Whenever I see things framed like this, I cringe at the thought of light damage. I know there are ways around it, for example plexiglass or composite blocks 99% of UV rays. What I don't know, is if the protection lasts forever or if you would need to replace the glass substitute every serveral years over time. I know some of the one-screw cases say they protect UV rays, but for only 3 years or something. So guessing it does not last forever. There are also steps you can take to not use flourescent lighting, etc. To me this is all too much - which is why most of my collection lives in a dark closet and comes out only briefly for me to gawk at. ;-)

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Whenever I see things framed like this, I cringe at the thought of light damage. I know there are ways around it, for example plexiglass or composite blocks 99% of UV rays. What I don't know, is if the protection lasts forever or if you would need to replace the glass substitute every serveral years over time. I know some of the one-screw cases say they protect UV rays, but for only 3 years or something. So guessing it does not last forever. There are also steps you can take to not use flourescent lighting, etc. To me this is all too much - which is why most of my collection lives in a dark closet and comes out only briefly for me to gawk at. ;-)

I would never expose autographs or valuable cards to any kind of light for any length of time, and direct sunlight will fade anything, but for most kinds of display pieces, it's been my experience that you can frame them with regular clear glass and put them on a wall in a room with normal artificial lighting, minimal sunlight, and controlled heat and you will not live long enough to be able to spot any fading or other deterioration with your bare eyes. I've had my B-18s on a wall in my office for 25 years, and I doubt there's an instrument that could measure whatever miniscule loss of color or vibrancy has taken place in that time. I would say the same about the many vintage photos, posters, and other items I've had on my walls for decades now. If there's been any degeneration in any of them, my eyes aren't good enough to see it. I like to look at my stuff, and I think if you use common sense and keep them away from any light from windows and other sources of light or heat in your rooms, you can do that without worrying about damage to your treasures. In fact, whenever I get something matted and framed I like to think I am protecting it from the air that is the natural enemy of anything made out of paper or cloth.

[conor912]

Originally Posted by jchcollins

Whenever I see things framed like this, I cringe at the thought of light damage. I know there are ways around it, for example plexiglass or composite blocks 99% of UV rays. What I don't know, is if the protection lasts forever or if you would need to replace the glass substitute every serveral years over time. I know some of the one-screw cases say they protect UV rays, but for only 3 years or something. So guessing it does not last forever. There are also steps you can take to not use flourescent lighting, etc. To me this is all too much - which is why most of my collection lives in a dark closet and comes out only briefly for me to gawk at. ;-)

My display is in a room that is close to pitch black 23 hours a day. And even if it is fading, I doubt it's fading faster than my eyes' ability to perceive it. If I owned a Picasso, I'd hang it on a wall. Don't let stress get in the way enjoying something.

[jchcollins]

Originally Posted by conor912

My display is in a room that is close to pitch black 23 hours a day. And even if it is fading, I doubt it's fading faster than my eyes' ability to perceive it. If I owned a Picasso, I'd hang it on a wall. Don't let stress get in the way enjoying something.

I don't. I still sometimes even take cards to work with me like I took cards to school as a kid. There are always quick ways to draw on some hobby enjoyment. This site is another major one for me.