Keeping figures safe from dust and sun
A closed case keeps dust off. Distance from the window keeps the sun off. Glass alone does not stop ultraviolet light: ordinary and low-iron glass let most UV-A through. Keep a case out of direct sunlight, whatever it is made of.
Dust
Dust settles on everything left in the open, and it dulls paint and fabric. A closed case keeps most of it off. The VESPERA lid sits down into a groove in the base, which helps keep dust out. It is not sealed to the base, so lift the lid now and then and wipe the base and floor with a soft cloth.
Sun
Ultraviolet light fades paint and can yellow some plastics. Visible light fades colour too, only more slowly. Ordinary glass blocks only the shortest UV, so most UV-A still passes. Low-iron glass is chosen for clarity, not for UV protection.
- Keep the case out of direct sun, away from windows.
- Use LED lighting, which gives off very little UV, and keep it soft.
- Keep it away from heaters and hot windowsills.
VESPERA makes no claim of UV protection.
Cleaning the glass
Use a soft microfibre cloth. Spray glass cleaner onto the cloth, never onto the case, so nothing runs into the joints or the felt.
Acrylic is different: no ammonia, no alcohol, no paper towels. They scratch or craze it.