The effect of signed player memorabilia is nuclear. A Super Bowl game ball or jersey signed by an owner is a keepsake to football fans everywhere. Aside from that souvenirs like those ignite passionate fire, they remind us of some of the greatest moments in sports history. But with no risk comes no reward. Lacking attention in showing and preservation, smudging of the signature, warping of the paper, and irreparable damage are sure to result.

Sports collectors and sports fans, do not worry; this article walks you through the process of how to safely store and display signed sports memorabilia so that protection and good appearance for displays are no issue at all.

Understanding Risk Factors

That we possess the goods to present packaged up now helps remind us that we need to make sure we address protection issues like:

  • Dust and Impurities: Soap, dust, skin oil residue, and air all stain things over time.
  • Maintenance: Things break down on a larger scale with regular use.
  • Temperature: Cumulative heat added to dirt might warp or crack.
  • UV Light: Stuff like signed photographs lose their charm with too much light.
  • Temperature and Humidity: The all-too-familiar weather duet causes mold to occur when it makes paper products and leather and fabric products warp and crack.

Now we know who they are, so now we can come up with a plan to keep the signed and keep it preserved.

Use Cases for Protection against UV Light

If you intend to exhibit your memorabilia, protective cases resistant to UV light are imperative. The cases contain acrylic or glass that will never allow lethal UV light to come in contact with the item while framing the piece in an appealing perspective. Cases can be bought specifically for:

  • Signed footballs and basketballs
  • Signed baseballs with display bases
  • Framed jerseys
  • Signed and printed photographs

Select a closely sealed case so that dust or water cannot reach it.

Use Archival Materials for Framing

Framing photographs or jerseys is one of the most popular ways of displaying items, but with caution when doing it. This is what should be done:

Don't Use Acidic Materials: Acidic backing board and mats will cause paper to yellow or burn. Always use acid-free and archival quality.

Don't Use Spacers: In jerseys and other 3D products, spacers have to be applied so signed material is never in direct contact with the glass.

Glass Blocked To UV Rays: The frame glass needs to be resistant to UV light so that it does not fade as in the case of display cases.

It is advisable for any valuable object to get it professionally framed so that its value is not lost.

Restricting Light Exposure

Even after passing through UV, it is best that it does not directly get exposed to natural light. In the event of signed photographs, prints, or balls, store them in rooms of the home or office where there is no natural light direct exposure on the display surface. When employing spot lighting, use low-intensity LED lights, which emit lower UV and heat.

Provide Proper Care to the Environment

If for long-term preservation, environmental conditions are important:

  • Stored in a dry, cool location with a constant temperature and humidity.
  • Avoid using attics and essentials because they are subject to variations in temperature and moisture.
  • To maintain humidity at a constant level, include silica gel packets in storage display cases or containers.
  • Ideal conditions are between 65-70°F and 45-55% relative humidity.

Handle With Care

Each time you touch a signed object, there is a risk of depositing skin oils or smudging the autograph. To avoid this:

  • Wear cotton gloves when you handle valuable objects.
  • Don't write or tape signatures.
  • Touch items only on the edges and never apply pressure to the autograph area.
  • The best way to preserve an autograph is not to touch it at all.

Store Items Not on Display

Some things should not be shown. For items being stored:

  • Store photographs and paper in acid-free archival containers or plastic sleeves.
  • Store jerseys in acid-free tissue paper and air-permeable storage.
  • Store balls in UV-filtering, form-fitting cases even if not on display.
  • Label the boxes clearly and never store them on the floor to prevent them from being water damaged.

Get Your Collection Insured

Insurance can be a necessity if your collection is worth something. Proper documentation such as photographs, certificates of authenticity, and demonstrating the items on display assists in the event of a claim. Keep all authentication documents safe and reproduce them digitally if available.

Alter Your Display

To reduce exposure to the environmental stresses, you could rotate the items every few months. This provides each item with time off from light and temperature fluctuation such that they will last longer.

Store COAs Safely

Do not lose certificates of authenticity (COAs) and store them in an easily accessible safe location. Store the documents in computer files or protection sleeves, and having them framed along with the memorabilia renders them more authentic.

Final Thoughts

Not only is owning signed sports memorabilia a collection, but also a preservation of history. If maintained and cared for, your signed collectibles can endure for decades and even appreciate in value.

Here at Signed Memorabilia 4U, we're happy to have collectors close to the original hand-signed sporting memorabilia. We authenticate, store, and make all merchandise ready for display so collecting can be done with confidence. More today on our website!