UBB.threads Forums General Interest Restoration, Conservation, and Maintenance Forum How do you control humidity?

Hello All,

I just want to get a feel a fee for how other control humidity. I have a glass case from IKEA which mostly glass and not completly sealed (around the door area)

I have installed a meter to watch humity (it also tells temp) and it ranges from 43% (min) to 73% (max) as recorded over the last week. I want to maintain the humidity levels around 50% to protect my metal items but not have it too low for some leather I have.

I am considering a dehumidifier but am not sure what size I really need as then seem to range from small to very large. Any thoughts or experiences you have would be helpful.

Thanks.

John

BTW I did add two of those desiccant canisters but they do not seem to help at all??

Good topic. I have a Westinghouse "Accudry".
The most I`ve had was a full tank in about a day and a half. And that`s set on "normal".

I am currently looking at several models online to make sure I get one that will do the job and not take up to much space.

Thanks for the post.

BTW what are you humdity levels now vs before?

John

Have`nt a clue,honestly. I can sure feel the differnce, though.

I have the same problem, I hope someone can help us.

Fer

If your primary objective is to protect your collectables then why don't you just use Renaissance Wax?

I settled for ren wax and some damprid... I did buy a dehumidifier but the damn thing was just made to much noise.

Thank you. But about the Ren wax, can it be used in badges, iron crosees, spanges, daggers and leather (in the helmet)?

Fernando

Renwax can be used on everything, including paper. The Mona Lisa is preserved with it.

Mark

Good news, thank you.

Fernando

Move to Arizona!

Humidity,

This is an important factor. You have to address how much humidity is in the air so as to choose the correct dehumidifier.

In ideal conditions,metal items are best suited to RH below 50% but you do not want to go too far below because it could dry out non-metal items (such as dagger grips)

Sears sells an inexpensie dehumidfier that has a control that you can set the desired level at. When the humidity in the room reachs the setting the dehumidfier automatically shuts off.

By the way, the suggestion of Microcrystaline wax is a good idea, to prevent tarnish and oxide but it works even better in combination with humidity control.

There are a few "quiet" dehumidifiers out on the market that work great. I have two I bought through Amazon.com, and with them I have been quite successful maintaining between 45% and 55% RH in a large unfinished basement. You can definitely feel a change in comfort level throughout the basement when they are in use - it feels slightly "warmer" and MUCH drier. Best of all, there is no noise! I've had them in use for (2) years now without a problem, and I've installed a continuous drain tube to eliminate the hassle of emptying as well.

I'm currently in the process of finishing the basement, and I suspect I will be able to achieve even better results upon completion. I will keep you posted with my results . . . .

Brad

P.S. Dessicants do work as well, but only in closed containers, and only when they have been properly "activated". I happen to have an extra 30 or 40 pounds if someone is in need - just let me know what you are attempting to "dry", and I'll try to accomadate!