Glass ornaments, for instance, don’t weather well on their own. Left in the wrong box, stored in a damp attic, wrapped in newspaper that leaches colors, glass ornaments chip, fade, and even shatter at random moments. Anyone who has ever pulled a damaged ornament out of storage knows exactly what it meant. Christopher Radko ornaments vintage styles are made to last for generations, but only if you treat them like the treasures they actually are, which means taking care of them in ways that may be a bit inconvenient, but are necessary.
Handle With Dry Hands Always
Moisture and oils from the skin come into contact with hand-painted glass throughout the years, resulting in a dulling of the painted surface from repeated finger touches, also causing extensive damage to the delicate details around hangers and caps. Before picking up any vintage glass piece, dry your hands completely. Better yet, keep a pair of thin cotton gloves near the storage box. It sounds excessive until the alternative is watching paint peel off a Santa that’s been in the family for thirty years.
Storage Is Where Most Damage Happens
Most ornament damage does not occur when they are on display. Instead, it occurs when they are stored. Cardboard boxes crush, plastic bags create condensation, and tissue paper moves during transport, causing ornaments to knock against each other.
Dedicated ornament storage boxes with individual cell dividers are worth every cent. Each piece should be wrapped separately with acid-free tissue and placed in its cell. Do not let bubble wrap directly touch the glass because the texture of bubble wrap can get caught on the paint.
Besides this, temperature plays a really significant role. Since garages, attics, and basements experience changes in humidity, they cause a slow destruction of the glass and paint. A closet or a shelf in a temperature-controlled room is a lot better than a storage space that gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
Cleaning Without Causing Damage
Dust is inevitable. The wrong cleaning method is optional. Avoid using any of the following: Never use a spray cleaner, alcohol wipes, or anything abrasive to clean the vintage items of the Christopher Radko ornaments. A dry or very slightly dampened microfiber cloth is sufficient to clean off the dust from the surface of the item. For items with glitter or other raised details, a soft-bristle makeup brush is the best way to gently clean off the dust without touching the item. Let the item air dry before storing it away.
The cap, or the metal part of the crown to which the hanger is attached, is a weak spot on the ornament. Moisture cannot enter this location. One of the most frequent issues vintage glass ornaments face is rusted or loose caps; in many instances, those caps cannot be repaired.
Hanging and Display Considerations
Wire hangers that are too thin put stress on the cap over an entire season. Use appropriate ornament hooks for the weight of the ornament. Heavy ornaments should always be hung towards the midsection of the branch, as opposed to the outer ends of the branches; there is much more strength in the centre than in the outer ends of the branches.
Direct sunlight will cause painted ornaments to fade and degrade much quicker than any other factor; to reduce this effect, place all of your plants away from windows during the day or simply draw your drapes/curtains when the sun is getting strong during the day.
The Simple Rule
Ornaments can last if they are regarded and treated as things of value rather than merely seasonal decorations. Christopher Radko ornaments vintage, for example, represent the highest level of craftsmanship – hand-blown glass, hand-painted details, and the European artisan tradition.