Ideal Humidity and Temprature for Collection?

Marc · 9th July 2005, 07:28 PM

The problem is with the different materials that compose the weapons. Can’t talk about wood, as I don’t know enough about it. Ian’s numbers, for the material he describes, make sense to me, for what is worth. However, this level of humidity is far too high for metals. In fact, anything higher than 50% RH is definitely risky for things like bronze, brass and steel. And I'm stretching it. I would feel more comfortable recommending indeed 30-40%, but this would be too dry for many woods and organics (leather, textiles...). I think 40-50% is a good compromise. If this can't be reached or it's still too dry for some materials, remember that physical barriers help a lot in isolating the metal from the environment. Thin mineral oil, nitrocellulose lacquer or, even better, microcrystalline wax may work wonders with your blades and fittings.
Another thing: dust is bad. It increases the chance of the humidity actually condensing in the surface of the metal, so if you can't encase the weapons at least keep them as dust-free as possible.

derek · 9th July 2005, 11:39 PM

Excellent info guys, thanks.

I recently had an AC breakdown and the humidity shot up from 40% to about 65% in a very short time. All is working now and it's back down to 40%, but it got me thinking.

I'll keep reading, but based on what I'm hearing - and seeing with my own stuff - it's probably a good idea to keep an eye on the leather and wood, horn and ivory. Mineral oil is one of the best tools in my preservation arsenal, I use it on metal, horn and ivory. It's cheap too. I don't think it will harm wood or leather (after all, isn't japanese clove oil mostly mineral oil w/ a hint of clove for scent?), but is there something better to fight the dry air?

BTW, I had an apartment in the UAE that had humidity levels at 80% at one point and I can tell you that NOTHING was comfortable with that. Our clothes got a faint hint of mildew and the leather on my sword scabbards got moldy

. On the other hand, 40% does in fact get pretty dry in the winter and it affects our skin. I'm sure it dries leather and wood as well. My blades like it, though.

9th July 2005, 07:28 PM	#1
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	The problem is with the different materials that compose the weapons. Can’t talk about wood, as I don’t know enough about it. Ian’s numbers, for the material he describes, make sense to me, for what is worth. However, this level of humidity is far too high for metals. In fact, anything higher than 50% RH is definitely risky for things like bronze, brass and steel. And I'm stretching it. I would feel more comfortable recommending indeed 30-40%, but this would be too dry for many woods and organics (leather, textiles...). I think 40-50% is a good compromise. If this can't be reached or it's still too dry for some materials, remember that physical barriers help a lot in isolating the metal from the environment. Thin mineral oil, nitrocellulose lacquer or, even better, microcrystalline wax may work wonders with your blades and fittings. Another thing: dust is bad. It increases the chance of the humidity actually condensing in the surface of the metal, so if you can't encase the weapons at least keep them as dust-free as possible.

9th July 2005, 11:39 PM	#2
derek Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 215	Excellent info guys, thanks. I recently had an AC breakdown and the humidity shot up from 40% to about 65% in a very short time. All is working now and it's back down to 40%, but it got me thinking. I'll keep reading, but based on what I'm hearing - and seeing with my own stuff - it's probably a good idea to keep an eye on the leather and wood, horn and ivory. Mineral oil is one of the best tools in my preservation arsenal, I use it on metal, horn and ivory. It's cheap too. I don't think it will harm wood or leather (after all, isn't japanese clove oil mostly mineral oil w/ a hint of clove for scent?), but is there something better to fight the dry air? BTW, I had an apartment in the UAE that had humidity levels at 80% at one point and I can tell you that NOTHING was comfortable with that. Our clothes got a faint hint of mildew and the leather on my sword scabbards got moldy . On the other hand, 40% does in fact get pretty dry in the winter and it affects our skin. I'm sure it dries leather and wood as well. My blades like it, though.