How do I store custom medals properly?

As a supplier of custom medals, I understand the significance of these tokens. They are not just pieces of metal; they represent achievements, memories, and pride. Proper storage of custom medals is crucial to maintain their quality and appearance over time. In this blog, I'll share some effective ways to store custom medals, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Understanding the Materials of Custom Medals

Before delving into storage methods, it's essential to understand the materials used in custom medals. Medals can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and other alloys. Each material has its own characteristics and requirements for storage.

• Gold Medals: Gold is a relatively stable metal, but it can still be affected by environmental factors such as humidity and chemicals. Gold medals are often plated, and the plating can wear off if not stored properly.
• Silver Medals: Silver is more reactive than gold and can tarnish when exposed to air and sulfur compounds. Tarnish can dull the appearance of silver medals and may require special cleaning methods to remove.
• Bronze Medals: Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and it can develop a patina over time. While some people appreciate the patina as a sign of age and character, excessive oxidation can damage the medal.

Choosing the Right Storage Container

The first step in proper medal storage is selecting the right container. Here are some options to consider:

• Medal Display Cases: These are designed specifically for displaying and protecting medals. They come in various sizes and styles, from simple plastic cases to more elaborate wooden or glass display cabinets. Medal display cases provide a clear view of the medals while protecting them from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
• Medal Holders: Medal holders are a more compact and portable option for storing medals. They can be made of plastic, fabric, or metal and are designed to hold individual medals or groups of medals. Medal holders are ideal for storing medals that are not on display but still need to be protected.
• Coin Albums or Pages: Coin albums or pages can also be used to store medals. They are typically made of acid-free paper or plastic and have pockets or slots to hold the medals. Coin albums or pages are a good option for storing small or delicate medals.

Preparing the Medals for Storage

Before storing the medals, it's important to clean them properly. Here are some tips for cleaning different types of medals:

• Gold Medals: Gold medals can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals, as they can damage the gold plating.
• Silver Medals: Silver medals can be cleaned with a silver polish or a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse the medal thoroughly and dry it with a soft cloth to prevent tarnishing.
• Bronze Medals: Bronze medals can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals, as they can damage the patina.

Once the medals are clean, it's a good idea to wrap them in acid-free tissue paper or a soft cloth to protect them from scratches and other damage.

Storing the Medals

When storing the medals, it's important to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Here are some additional tips for storing medals:

• Avoid Stacking: Stacking medals can cause scratches and damage to the surfaces. Instead, store the medals in individual compartments or holders to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
• Use Desiccants: Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture and help keep the air dry. You can place desiccants in the storage container to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing damage to the medals.
• Label the Storage Container: Labeling the storage container with the type of medals, the event or occasion they represent, and any other relevant information can help you easily find the medals when you need them.

Protecting Medals from Environmental Factors

In addition to proper storage, it's important to protect the medals from environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and chemicals. Here are some tips for protecting medals from environmental factors:

• Control Humidity: High humidity can cause corrosion and damage to the medals. You can use a dehumidifier to control the humidity in the storage area and keep it between 30% and 50%.
• Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures can cause the medals to expand and contract, which can lead to damage. Keep the storage area at a consistent temperature between 60°F and 70°F.
• Avoid Chemicals: Chemicals such as cleaning agents, perfumes, and hairsprays can damage the medals. Keep the medals away from these chemicals and avoid handling them with dirty or greasy hands.

Displaying Custom Medals

If you want to display your custom medals, there are several options available. Here are some tips for displaying medals:

• Choose the Right Display Location: Choose a location that is away from direct sunlight, humidity, and traffic. A display case or wall-mounted rack can be a good option for displaying medals.
• Arrange the Medals: Arrange the medals in a way that is visually appealing and easy to view. You can group the medals by event, category, or year.
• Add Lighting: Adding lighting to the display case or rack can enhance the appearance of the medals and make them more visible.

Conclusion

Proper storage of custom medals is essential to maintain their quality and appearance over time. By understanding the materials of the medals, choosing the right storage container, preparing the medals for storage, and protecting them from environmental factors, you can ensure that your custom medals remain in pristine condition for years to come.

If you're interested in purchasing Personalised Football Medals, Running Gold Medal, or Swimming Custom Medals, please feel free to contact us for more information. We're here to help you find the perfect custom medals for your needs.

References

• American Numismatic Association. (n.d.). Storing Coins and Medals. Retrieved from [Website of American Numismatic Association]
• The Spruce Crafts. (n.d.). How to Store Coins and Medals. Retrieved from [Website of The Spruce Crafts]