glass

Glass has a natural beauty that, makes it perfect for collecting and displaying. However, we all know just how easy it is to break or chip glass and, whilst this may not bother you with the everyday glassware, but, it's bound to be upsetting if you damage a favorite piece, so here some pointers to help you care for your glassware and enjoy its beauty for years to come.


Cleaning Your Antique and Vintage Glassware


- Remove any jewellery that may damage the glassware during the cleaning process.

- Line the washing bowls and drying area with clean lint-free cloths or mats to protect the glass from knocks.

- Place one piece at time into a bowl of warm soapy water (a small amount of gentle washing up liquid).

- If you're in a hard water area, used distilled or softened water.

- Use a soft-bristled brush with gentle rubbing to get into difficult areas (don't scrub or soak).

- Rinse the glassware in a bowl of clean warm water with a couple of cap fulls of distilled vinager in it, (the vinager will help remove any soapy residue from the glassware and will give it an extra sparkle).

- When drying glasses, hold the bowl in one hand and gently wipe the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth.

- Be very gentle with glass, when dying pieces, it's easy to damage delicate items.

- Never wash delicate glassware in the dishwasher - the temperature and chemicals are too harsh.

- Don't not use any kind of washing up liquid, detergent or vinager on printed or painted glass, as this can fade or remove the print or paint finish.

- Don't put glassware in hot or cold water. dramatic changes in temperature can damage the glass.

Point To Remember: BE GENTLE!


Caring For Your Antique and Vintage Glassware


- Avoid putting glass in direct sunlight or near a bright light or heat source such as a radiator or spotlight.

- To avoid staining a glass vase when using it for displaying flowers: change the water every two days, rinse well and remove plant debris before it dries on.

- Any liquid can stain glass, if left in contact with it for a prolonged period of time.


Repairing Antique and Vintage Glassware.


- There are many kinds of adhesives available, however, using them to repair valued glassware is a task best left to the professionals. If you do use adhesive, to repair a glass piece, you'll probably find it seeps out. Glues can turn yellow, causing the repair to become unsightly and they can be hard to remove.


Point to Rember: If you discover damage on glassware that is special to you, contact a qualified glassware conservator for advice. A botched home repair will be more expensive to rectify than getting professional advice from the start.


Preventing Accidental Damage To Your Antique and Vintage Glasssware.


Although accidents cannot be totally avoided, you can take precautions to reduce the risk of damage to your antique and vintage glass:


- When handling antique and vintage glass items, avoid holding them by their handles or other vulnerable areas.

- When holding or transporting antique and vintage glassware be aware of loose pieces, such as lids that could come off and remove them first.

- Always carry glassware pieces with both hands.

- If you need to move heavy glass items, make sure that they are fully supported and get someone else to help with the carrying, lifting and opening doors.

- It's usually safer to move antique and vintage glassware pieces in a box or basket padded with tissue, bubble wrap or clean cloths.


Point To Remember: Handeling and moving antique and vintage glass items can put stress on them and cause acceidental damage, it can also cause existing damage and repairs to deteriorate, so avoid handleing and moving antique and vintage glassware.


Displaying Antique and Vintage Glass.


A major part of the joy of collecting glassware is being able to display and enjoy them in your home environment. However, when displaying antique and vintage glass items, care should be taken to ensure that you're not exposing them to the risk of damage. So here are some points that you may want to consider, when chosing a spot for your antique and vintage glassware:


- Are your antique and vintage glass items displayeed somewhere that people or animals can knock them over?

- Is your home prone to vibrations from trains, traffic or planes?

- Are your antique and vintage glassware pieces displayed in an area, where they may suffer from staining from nicotine, coal dust or other pollutants?


- Display cabinets are usually a good place for displaying and storing delicate antique and vintage glassware. However, whatever the loaction you select to display your antique and vintage glass, you should ensure that objects are set back from the edge and that there is enough space between each piece.


Point To Remember: Never glue display accessories to your antique and vintage glassware pieces.


Please note that this information has been obtained from a variety of sources, and it is to the best of our knowledge correct. However, Steptoes Dog does not accept responsibility regarding its accuracey, or any adverse occurances, damage or injury resulting from the use of this information.