Antique Glass Plates
Antique glass plates are sought after by many collectors of glassware. If you are a collector of glass plates, or plan to acquire your first pieces, you should know how to properly care for your items. Glass is a fragile material and must be handled with care at all times to prevent breakage. It may be tempting to pack your antique glass pieces away in storage but if you do that, there wouldn't be much point in owning them. Even though glass is fragile it should be displayed and enjoyed rather than stored. Of course there may be times that you do want to store your glass. In that case you should wrap each piece separately in a thick layer of bubble wrap and store in a box filled with packing peanuts. Keep your stored glass away from heat, moisture and light.
To avoid breaking your glass plates and other glass items, handle with both hands. Do not display your glass pieces in areas where people or pets may bump into them. If breakage does occur, glass can sometimes be repaired with a strong adhesive such as Hxtal which is what pro collectors use. Although the glue does yellow over time this adhesive takes longer to do so. You can tape the pieces while the glue is drying to ensure they dry correctly and fit together like they are supposed to.
Displaying your glass plates properly is important to keep them in good shape. Never use metal hangers to display your glass plates. These hangers may cause cracks in the glass because of the tension and the metal may also create scratches. The best option is a wood or plastic stand. These stands allow the plate to sit at a slant for stability. This is not only a safe way to display your treasures but an attractive one as well. Perhaps the most important consideration for collectors of glass is how to clean it without damaging it.
The first rule of thumb when cleaning antique glass plates is never to put them in the dishwasher. Old glass should always be cleaned by hand with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. For hard water, you can add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinsing water to avoid spotting. To dry your glass plates, use a lint-free cloth or allow them to air dry. Caring for your old glass plates properly means you will be able to enjoy them for years to come and hand them down to future generations.
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