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Did you know that matchbooks are the second most popular collectible behind stamps? There’s more to them than just lighting.
Matchbooks appeal to collectors because of their artwork and history. Often collected as souvenirs, they represent the memories of places collectors have traveled. Some view them as a historical, cultural, and political record of U.S. history.
That said, matchbook collections are remarkably fragile, and they are made of paper, and it’s easy to have your matchbook collection get worn out and ruined.
Are you an avid matchbook collector looking for ways to preserve your collection? Here are the supplies you’ll need for storing matchbooks.
Preserving Your Matchbook Collection
To preserve your matchbook, you’ll need to get rid of the matches, clean the book out, flatten out the matchbook, and store them in an airtight dry area.
Step 1: Remove And Store Matches
Before you do anything, you need to take the matches out of the matchbook. Storing and transportation are much easier without the matches. Remove the staple first, and then take the matches out.
Perhaps you’re interested in keeping the matches, so they aren’t wasted. An aluminum container with a screw-on cap is the most efficient method for storing old matches, and this type of storage keeps out moisture which will ruin the matches and keep them from lighting.
Step 2: Clean Out The Matchbook
After removing the matches, you’ll want to get rid of any residue in the matchbook.Tools such as soft bristle brushes, HEPA vacuums, soot sponges, vinyl erasers, or vinyl gloves can be useful in this process. Try to avoid areas with ink, and don’t brush so hard that you damage the paper.
Step 3: Flatten Out The Matchbook
For this step, you’ll need something heavy to really make the matchbook flatten out. Doing this will get rid of any unwanted creases and will make the stamps easier to store.
Perhaps you can use a rolling pin or a paperweight. Don’t press too hard, or you may ruin the cover.
Step 4: Store The Matches
Your final step is to store the matchbooks. You’ll want to do this somewhere indoors where the matchbooks won’t fall victim to the weather.
You could use a box or a tray, but let’s be real: matches are meant to be seen. You should purchase a photo album where the matches are somewhat sealed away from moisture and where they can be easily displayed when you want to show your collection off. Plus, you won’t risk ruining or bending your matchbooks by digging around in a box.
Add More Matchbooks To Your Collection
Now that you have these tips on how to preserve your matchbook collection, you can start protecting your collection today. Follow these tips and keep these keepsakes safe and beautiful.
Are you interested in adding to your collection? At Wagner Match, we sell book matches with beautiful designs that you can add to your collection. You can also visit our blog to learn more about the wonderful art of matchbook collecting.
Visit us today.
Wagner Match has specialized in providing impeccable service to the hospitality, entertainment, and service industries since 1981.