Open Forum

Hello,

This is a smaller museum question. I'm wondering if anyone's seen results from just using silica gel packs to assist in controlling humidity fluctuations in display cases. I know these are low tech, but it'll be several years and much construction work and paperwork before we're able to install some kind of improved climate control system in our 18th century landmarked building, so I figure better to have something than nothing.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

Best,
Ruthie

------------------------------
Ruth Osborne
Curator of Collections
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
New York NY
------------------------------

Ruth,

In my experience working with conservators, silica gel is the most widely used form of in-case humidity control. It is typically used in vitrines but not large wall cases as it is more difficult to condition large volumes with this method. You have to start with a gasketed case that is as air tight as possible. The silica, usually in a canister or in pellet form, (also available in packets from Dick's Sporting Goods) is hidden in the case (under a pedestal) or in a contiguous space below the display area of the case. Some clients put a humidity monitor or humidity strip (less expensive) in the case to monitor the humidity level before they seal the case. I have also observed museums put charcoal fabric inside the case as well to absorb impurities off-gased by some objects so they will not effect other items in the same case. It will take a bit of time for the case humidity to stabilize once the case is sealed. There are many variables here, and the best practice for case design has evolved over time and continues to evolve. Humidity, off gassing of objects, UV light control, safe materials used to construct the case, and different humidity requirements for different objects that might be displayed in the the same case are just some of the challenges. In my experience, museums tend to do the best that they can with the funds and casework that are available to them. Many museums would not be able to display their collections at all if they had to follow the best practices for case environmental controls, as it would be cost prohibitive. You have to start somewhere.

Good luck with your displays.

Mike

------------------------------
Michael Hanke
Exhibit Designer
Design Division, Inc.
Hadley MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2018 01:27 PM
From: Ruth Osborne
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

Hello,

This is a smaller museum question. I'm wondering if anyone's seen results from just using silica gel packs to assist in controlling humidity fluctuations in display cases. I know these are low tech, but it'll be several years and much construction work and paperwork before we're able to install some kind of improved climate control system in our 18th century landmarked building, so I figure better to have something than nothing.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

Best,
Ruthie

------------------------------
Ruth Osborne
Curator of Collections
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
New York NY
------------------------------

I have used space driers (the heated metal tubes commonly used to dehumidify ships' lockers and pianos) with great success in my art storage space for the past 30 years.  They exude low heat sufficient to dry a specific number of cubic feet and sip electricity. They require no maintenance. Hope that helps.

Best, Tina Spiro

------------------------------
Tina Spiro
Artist/Curator
Miami FL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 09:54 AM
From: Michael Hanke
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

Ruth,

In my experience working with conservators, silica gel is the most widely used form of in-case humidity control. It is typically used in vitrines but not large wall cases as it is more difficult to condition large volumes with this method. You have to start with a gasketed case that is as air tight as possible. The silica, usually in a canister or in pellet form, (also available in packets from Dick's Sporting Goods) is hidden in the case (under a pedestal) or in a contiguous space below the display area of the case. Some clients put a humidity monitor or humidity strip (less expensive) in the case to monitor the humidity level before they seal the case. I have also observed museums put charcoal fabric inside the case as well to absorb impurities off-gased by some objects so they will not effect other items in the same case. It will take a bit of time for the case humidity to stabilize once the case is sealed. There are many variables here, and the best practice for case design has evolved over time and continues to evolve. Humidity, off gassing of objects, UV light control, safe materials used to construct the case, and different humidity requirements for different objects that might be displayed in the the same case are just some of the challenges. In my experience, museums tend to do the best that they can with the funds and casework that are available to them. Many museums would not be able to display their collections at all if they had to follow the best practices for case environmental controls, as it would be cost prohibitive. You have to start somewhere.

Good luck with your displays.

Mike

------------------------------
Michael Hanke
Exhibit Designer
Design Division, Inc.
Hadley MA

Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2018 01:27 PM
From: Ruth Osborne
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

Hello,

This is a smaller museum question. I'm wondering if anyone's seen results from just using silica gel packs to assist in controlling humidity fluctuations in display cases. I know these are low tech, but it'll be several years and much construction work and paperwork before we're able to install some kind of improved climate control system in our 18th century landmarked building, so I figure better to have something than nothing.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

Best,
Ruthie

------------------------------
Ruth Osborne
Curator of Collections
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
New York NY
------------------------------

​Ruth:

Silica gel can also be purchased in the form a rigid sheet that can both absorb and desorb humidity in order to maintain an enclosed environment within a preset RH range.  This is the material that I'm most familiar with being used to control humidity within enclosed display cases.  Because it comes in the form of a flat sheet, it is often placed immediately underneath the fabric or other porous liner on the bottom of the display case.  I would imagine that there maybe multiple sources for this product, but the one I'm most familiar with is marketed as either "ARTsorb" or "Art sorb." 

John


------------------------------
John Coraor PhD
Director of Cultural Affairs
Town of Huntington
Huntington NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-11-2018 08:14 AM
From: Tina Spiro
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

I have used space driers (the heated metal tubes commonly used to dehumidify ships' lockers and pianos) with great success in my art storage space for the past 30 years.  They exude low heat sufficient to dry a specific number of cubic feet and sip electricity. They require no maintenance. Hope that helps.

Best, Tina Spiro

------------------------------
Tina Spiro
Artist/Curator
Miami FL

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 09:54 AM
From: Michael Hanke
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

Ruth,

In my experience working with conservators, silica gel is the most widely used form of in-case humidity control. It is typically used in vitrines but not large wall cases as it is more difficult to condition large volumes with this method. You have to start with a gasketed case that is as air tight as possible. The silica, usually in a canister or in pellet form, (also available in packets from Dick's Sporting Goods) is hidden in the case (under a pedestal) or in a contiguous space below the display area of the case. Some clients put a humidity monitor or humidity strip (less expensive) in the case to monitor the humidity level before they seal the case. I have also observed museums put charcoal fabric inside the case as well to absorb impurities off-gased by some objects so they will not effect other items in the same case. It will take a bit of time for the case humidity to stabilize once the case is sealed. There are many variables here, and the best practice for case design has evolved over time and continues to evolve. Humidity, off gassing of objects, UV light control, safe materials used to construct the case, and different humidity requirements for different objects that might be displayed in the the same case are just some of the challenges. In my experience, museums tend to do the best that they can with the funds and casework that are available to them. Many museums would not be able to display their collections at all if they had to follow the best practices for case environmental controls, as it would be cost prohibitive. You have to start somewhere.

Good luck with your displays.

Mike

------------------------------
Michael Hanke
Exhibit Designer
Design Division, Inc.
Hadley MA

Original Message:
Sent: 04-09-2018 01:27 PM
From: Ruth Osborne
Subject: Humidity Control & Silica Gel Packs

Hello,

This is a smaller museum question. I'm wondering if anyone's seen results from just using silica gel packs to assist in controlling humidity fluctuations in display cases. I know these are low tech, but it'll be several years and much construction work and paperwork before we're able to install some kind of improved climate control system in our 18th century landmarked building, so I figure better to have something than nothing.

I'd appreciate any opinions!

Best,
Ruthie

------------------------------
Ruth Osborne
Curator of Collections
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden
New York NY
------------------------------