PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION

Preventive Conservation

Preventive Conservation is any action taken to prevent or delay the deterioration of cultural heritage.

The primary goal is to identify and reduce potential dangers to the heritage through thoughtful control of its environment by conservator - restorers, museum specialists, curators, collection managers.

Preventive protection can be described as any measure that prevents damage or reduces its potential. It focuses on the collection rather than individual objects. In practical terms, the use, storage, and management of collections (including emergency planning) are critical elements of a preventive conservation methodology.

Preventive Conservation is the most efficient form of preservation not only for museums but also for libraries and collections of ethnographic, natural history, and geological material. With comprehensive preventive protection, the need for individual treatments can be reduced to more manageable levels over time, which can use staff and financial resources more effectively.

We have listed some deterioration factors determined by international standards for you. 

Ten Agents of Deterioration

• Physical Forces
• Thieves, Vandals
• Fire
• That
• Pests
• Pollution
• Light
• Wrong Temperature
• Incorrect Relative Humidity
• Oversight Neglect and Departure

Preventive conservation does not always require expensive or complex maintenance strategies. In many organizations, a lot can be done by applying common sense.

For objects in storage, the reduction of the potential for physical damage can be achieved by limiting access, maintenance in use, handling maintenance, and modest procedures that expose objects in individual boxes or containers at all times.

Alternatively, creating a protective barrier around objects can help minimize long-term damage.

It is essential to keep both the exhibition and storage area clean and free of dust (as well as from insects and rodents). Improving ventilation and air circulation through the use of low-tech fans and filters also benefits collections.

Dust is inherently ugly and damaging. It is corrosive, absorbs moisture and pollutants that can cause deterioration and corrosion, attracts and encourages insects. Good air filtration is essential but careful, regular dusting and vacuuming is a critical part of preventive protection for the collection.

Non-abrasive cotton or synthetic dust cloth that will catch dust without leaving any residue can be used for dusting on the object. Avoid products that contain silicones. Do not dust surfaces with flaking paint or gilding. make sure you are using Hepa filtered vacuum cleaner for your collection

Humidity, temperature, and light are not only important influences in preserving valuable objects but also, are the first steps in preventive conservation care and establishing a stable environment.

Use blinds, shades, or curtains (textiles, books, paper, and organic materials) to protect particularly sensitive objects from bright or direct sunlight. Keep your artworks at a reasonable distance to avoid heat damage from artificial light and fluorescent lights, an essential ultraviolet component.

Relative humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent and the temperature should be a maximum of 72 degrees or less.

Replace the air filters in the HVAC system regularly to reduce dust.

Get service from people trained in integrated pest management (IPM) to monitor pest activity and troubleshoot any problems.

As Roja art conservation, we remind you of our professional service in the field of preventive conservation and collection care, and we want you to know that we can take care of your works closely.

We can provide you a detailed report for your artworks and collection, and we can provide you more detailed information about how to conserve them under the current environmental conditions.