Monster T206 Desk

[jp1216]

Problem with only displaying the fronts - the more you collect T206, the more you'll want to display the backs.... Good Luck.

[barrysloate]

Over time you would likely ruin the cards. The fronts would stick to the glass and that would be a disaster. You can purchase a roll of mylar plastic, and if you put the cards between the mylar it will likely preserve them. But they may still fade over time. Overall, not a good idea. If you prefer them raw keep them in a binder with good quality pages...again, mylar is best.

[FrankWakefield]

What about getting 2 sheets of uv glass cut to fit the desk? Get them to finish the edges (they grind them a bit and I think a light oil is put on there to get that green look). Then, put the cards you gather between the sheets of glass. Even if the cards did eventually stick to the glass, a bit of water would quickly and harmlessly release the cards...

The cards would be easier to enjoy if they're on the desk, as opposed to in a binder, or in a safe, or safety deposit box, or slabs...

[brianp-beme]

An example of exposure to light:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1933-GOUDEY-...item336da3a8ee

Of course this card was tacked to a wall and most likely exposed to direct sunlight, but over time without taking some preventative measures my guess is that you will have some fading due to light exposure. By the way, the strip of red at the bottom of the card in the link is what the card's background should look like.

Just trying to scare you a little.

Brian

[nebboy]

Cards, paper or pictures can stick to the glass if exposed to moister, thats the main reason for mating items. Also the cards could stick to the varnish of the old desk over time.

Good luck with the Monster!

[iggyman]

I can't give you anymore, then whats been said about the elephants in the room. But if you ever did put that T206 collage together, boy oh boy, that would be one mighty fine piece of furniture art. Actually, once you started putting it together, I would be more concern with the collective drool of anyone who got near it!

Lovely Day...

I cringed when I first read this, but frankly some of the suggestions are even worse. Yes they will degrade, but if you are dead set on displaying them there here are ways to protect them. There are five key factors to preservation of a display, (1) light, (2) temperature, (3) pollution, (4) moisture, (5) time.

Light: UV light is the enemy. Unfortuantely the sun is not the only source of harmful UV light. All light sources have some aspect in the ultraviolet range. So direct light exposure for any time should be avoided. The case should be in a controlled lighting environment. Any room where the light is turned on/off frequently should be avoided. Instead a consistently low lit room is advisable without windows facing south. UV films and conservation glass on the display case would be helpful in avoiding exposure. Direct contact with glass, which of course is reflective is very bad.

Temperature: Before placing cards in case, place cabinet where you wish it to be and place a high/low thermometer in the cabinet to monitor temperatures at various times of the day/year. Consistent temperatures should range from 45 - 70 degrees (with 50 degrees being ideal). Under glass is a suffocating, stifling hot environment.

Pollution: Where to start? Case should not be open and shut variety (or see a lot of use), but rather remain closed. Under glass the constant lifting every time you got a new card, some 524 times would be very bad. Plus, if the contents of a cup are spilled on the desk it will run under the glass. To avoid Off-gassing which can degrade cards the display case should be made of metal, plexiglass, or sealed woods. Using a silica gel pack in the case acts as an internal buffer and pollutant absorber. These act like stay fresh packs in beef jerky.

Moisture: The ideal relative humidity for archival display is 35-50%. Too dry and the card will warp, or crack. In an area of high humidity such as a coastal area, or the southeastern U.S. a dehumidifier is almost a must, and vice versa, a humidifier will be needed for drier regions.

Time: It is not recommended that any art, especially thin cardboard stock be displayed for longer than three months a year to maintain quality.

Of course, living in a sealed bubble with your cards is also not an option. I hope this helps.

[dstraate]

so to summarize, never look at your card again.

[murcerfan]

Time: It is not recommended that any art, especially thin cardboard stock be displayed for longer than three months a year to maintain quality.

I'm still kinda new to this...could you explain why time, in the absence of UV light, moisture and air born pollutants will ruin my cards?

... never realized those desiccant silica packs actively absorbed air-born pollution, I always thought they just absorbed water vapor and lowered humidity.