Now you’ve finally obtained that long awaited signature from your favorite sports figure or celebrity, now what do you do with it? Store it away from prying eyes for no one to appreciate the memory, or do you want to take the next step in preserving your cherished keepsake. First you will need to decide on where you would like to place your autographs for everyone to see, and of course you will have a story or two on how you acquired that gem.
Autograph collecting is a long time passion and tradition among many Americans and people world wide. The only problem with this is that most people that get autos by one mean or the other do not preserve them for viewing and preservation.
There are many wonderful ways that you can display your autographs for everyone to see, enjoy and marvel. Paper is a very delicate substance especially when an autograph is embedded into paper, the most and vital thing to remember is to store it away immediately if you are not going to showcase it.
Ink bleeds very easily if it is exposed to a touch of aqua or any foreign substance. Never expose your photo signature to UV light for any period of time.
If you are going to showcase your autographs for showcase there are many inexpensive ways to do this, many antique shops have wonderful picture frames without the pane, this is absolutely a great investment, and although you may have to do a little restoration it will be well worth the initial investment.
There may be times that you may have an exclusive autograph that needs a personal professional touch, you do not have to actually go to a professional restorer, and you can do it yourself. There are many framing and how to guides at none other at the public library, if you have any difficulty in your search the librarian will be glad to assist you in your needs.
There are many flaws and misconceptions in the avenues of preserving autographs, how to do is only good if you are a beginning novice.
Never settle for less in preserving your collection, it would be wise to have one or two rooms where you can have your collection available in a museum type setting. Just to note if you have any children under the age of 7 you may want to hang your photos at the highest level out of harms way.
Autograph collecting in the twentieth century has a renewed vigor, now there autograph seekers from all around the world, the market is open to everyone, but you must preserve your treasures.
The last advice that I would like to give is to have yellow bulbs, black lights and 5 year soft light bulbs installed in any rooms that you are displaying your precious mementos.
These lights will preserve the life of your autographs, plastic vs. glass, both are very good means in preserving and archiving valuable keepsakes. Always use black, red, silver sharpies for your autographs, the only other will be artist graphic markers, they may be purchased at any arts and craft store. Last of least, have fun enjoying your search in finding autographs in your journey, have patience and you shall truly find treasures that you never thought possible.
