"DOLL RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW" > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
General Principles of Doll Conservation:
How to Make
Your Treasures Last!
Before you start to restore your dolls that need help, first you should make sure that you are doing everything in your power to conserve the dolls that you have. Conservation, for the most part, will entail attention to the variables of light, temperature, storage, and dirt.
Natural
Light: Natural light can cause huge problems-rapid fading of costumes,
even fading of skin tones on plastic dolls. Keep ALL natural light (sun
light!) off of your dolls. The heat from sunlight can be damaging as
well.
Artificial Light: Artificial lights also will fade dolls and doll costuming. The further away all lights are from your dolls, the better off your dolls will be. All lighting should be indirect--you should not have lights directly over or under your dolls. Incandescent bulbs are less damaging than fluorescent bulbs. You can protect your doll cases from all lights by using UV lighting sleeves. You can also drape sheer curtains over your display cases so dolls are not effected by light when you are not viewing them (this is a less-expensive solution, although admittedly not as an attractive one).
Lights in Your Doll Case: Do not have lights in your case unless they are cold lights with UV filters (I DO have lights in my case, but I only light them for brief periods of time when I am showing my dolls to visitors.
Dangers of Bare Wood: Bare wood has an acid called LIGNIN-if you put dolls on a bare wood shelf, the fabric/doll can start to get brown--it actually slowly burns. So, never put anything on/in wood unless there is a cloth barrier (wood doll trunks; wood shelves) You can use a material barrier on shelves--a simple muslin fabric would work fine as a lining. Also be careful if you frame paper doll ephemera with a wood backing--this can leave burn marks on the paper over time.
Temperature: Ideal temperature for dolls is approximately 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent research has shown that that temperature can vary about 10% up or down without doing permanent damage to the dolls. Whatever you do, don't store dolls in a hot or cold attic or basement. Keep your dolls in a temperature controlled environment.
Storage of Dolls: Much has been written about proper storage of dolls. To properly store dolls, keep them away from acid items--use acid free tissues. Keep the dolls away from cardboard boxes which can cause damage because of the acids in them (even original boxes!) If you wrap dolls or doll clothing for storage, use acid-free tissue paper (light impressions). It is often best to store a doll and a costume separately (this is advice that I even have problems following). In any event, never store a doll with jewelry (green ear, wrist marks). Finally, don't store dolls in plastic that cannot breath--some plastics give off gases that can damage dolls and fabric (Tupperware containers) and many plastic containers and bags can trap moisture encouraging the growth of molds.
Doll Stands: STANDS can do much damage! Coated metal stands are better than bare metal stands, but can still cause damage.
Composition and Temperature Changes: Composition easily cracks or crazes because of moisture, cold and heat. The best storage temperature for composition is a non-practical 60 degrees, with 40-55 percent humidity. The WORSE thing for composition and other materials like fabric is RAPID changes in temperature. Best to keep dolls on an inside instead of an outside wall to help keep temperature changes more gradual
Insect Control: As mentioned in the general section on conservation, the best thing you can do for insect control is to keep oils from your hands OFF your dolls and their clothes. But, if you get insects infesting your dolls, you can try the following: You can try freezing to kill bugs in a wig or outfit--sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Micro-vacuums will suck up bug eggs once bugs have been found. You can also use brushes to get the eggs off. Cedar can deter bugs (doesn't kill them). Vacuum EACH moth hole if you find moths. And, be sure to inspect your dolls regularly for evidence of bug infestations--at least once every year or two.
Moth Crystals: Do NOT let moth crystals touch a doll. You can put some moth crystals in muslin and wrap the, then hang in TOP of your doll cases (they give off a heavy gas that falls down and protects the whole case). You can treat a moth-infested doll with four corners of moth balls in a box with the doll. But, do not put vinyl or feathers in a box for such moth treatment, OR any metal objects (you can get bad chemical reactions)
Humidity: You can put humidity measures in glass cases. If too damp, use "damp rid" wicks to pick up moisture. Don't have your doll cases air tight--if too dry, water saucers in the bottom of the case can improve humidity. In any event, keep the humidity consistent.
Hand Cream: If you MUST have cream on your hands, use Udder Balm, used for cow udders. Won't come off on cloth so it won't leave residues..
Dust and Dirt: Keep your dolls in a closed case--dust and dirt will help destroy fabrics over time, and attract bugs. Atmospheric cleanliness is also important--no open windows, as outside air pollutants can be damaging. So can inside pollutants--don't use oil paints next to your doll case, for instance! If your dolls are dusty and dirty, you can use a mini vacuum or compressed photographic air to clean them.
Paper Products: You can use a PH testing pen for paper products--tells you if paper products are in an acid condition. If so, you can use a product called "We Two" to help preserve them for longer. Both products are available from Gaylords. If you wish to frame a paper doll or other paper ephemera, there is special, archival glass available for framing, as well as archival mounting boards from suppliers like Gaylords and Light Impressions.
First Page > Doll Conservation and Restoration: What You Need To Know > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Third Page > Tips For Successful Doll Restoration > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Fourth Page > Tips on Doll Costume and Textile Restoration > 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Fifth Page > Special Tips for Restoration of Barbie and other Plastic Dolls >1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Sixth Page > Links to Suppliers of Conservation and Restoration Products; Links to sites About Conservation and Restoration > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Seventh Page > Bibliography: Books on Doll Restoration and Conservation > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Are you trying to restore a doll? Are you concerned with conservation of your collection? Don't miss our folder in the Dolls Forum devoted to doll restoration, repair and conservation! Exchange views, ask questions and LEARN! Join us HERE in the Doll Repair and Restoration Folder in the Dolls Forum!
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©Denise Van Patten 2000
All Rights Reserved.
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