Preserving the shine and significance of custom finisher medals requires careful thought about storage and transport solutions.
Whether displayed or stored, each medal tells a unique story of accomplishment.
Keep medals safe by storing them in a cool, dry place, using soft-lined containers to prevent scratches, and handling them with clean hands.
Taking these steps ensures your medals remain in pristine condition and are secure during transportation.
1. Optimize Your Storage Environment
The enemies of metal are moisture and heat. To prevent tarnishing, rust, or discoloration:
- Keep it Cool and Dry: Store medals in climate-controlled areas. Avoid basements or attics, where high humidity and temperature swings can cause condensation.
- Use Silica Packets: Place silica gel packs inside storage boxes to absorb excess moisture and provide an extra layer of defense.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can fade colorful ribbons and damage delicate metal finishes. Always display or store medals in shaded areas.
2. Choose the Right Containers
Not all storage is created equal. To maintain the integrity of each piece:
- Archival-Quality Boxes: Use acid-free, archival boxes to prevent long-term chemical reactions that cause tarnishing.
- Display with Purpose: For a professional look, use UV-protective shadow boxes or frames. Ensure you use acid-free matting to prevent the medal from touching the glass directly.
- Individual Protection: For ribbons, use plastic coin flips or airtight capsules. This keeps medals from clinking together and prevents scratches.
3. Prevent Damage with Soft Liners & Proper Handling
Scratches can happen even inside a box if the medals shift.
- Soft Liners: Line your storage cases with velvet, felt, or microfiber to provide gentle cushioning.
- Handling with Care: Always wash and dry your hands before touching your collection. Skin oils and lotions can be corrosive over time. For high-end or polished finishes, consider wearing lint-free cotton gloves.
- Transport Safely: If you are moving your collection, wrap each medal individually in bubble wrap or soft cloth and pack them snugly in heavy-duty, padded crates.
4. Stay Organized
An organized collection is easier to maintain and enjoy.
- By Date or Event: Group your medals chronologically or by event type (e.g., "Triathlons 2023").
- Label Everything: Use durable, clear labels. For large collections, a color-coding system (e.g., Blue for Marathons, Green for 5Ks) allows for quick identification.
Event NameDateNumber of MedalsCity MarathonJan 20234Summer TriathlonJul 20233
5. Routine Inspections
Prevention is better than a cure. Every few months, take a moment to:
- Check for signs of tarnish or "zinc pest" (small white spots).
- Ensure clasps and ribbon attachments are secure.
- Wipe down surfaces with a dry, soft microfiber cloth to remove dust.
By following these simple steps, you ensure that your PinProsPlus custom finisher medals stay as beautiful as the day you earned them.
