Caring for Metal

Metals are easier to look after than some other materials. Metal objects do not usually break if they are dropped (although this depends on how they are made, so don't try it at home!). But they can change shape if they get very warm, so museums try and keep the temperature they are kept in constant. It is also important to keep the metals away from damp or they may oxidize (rust).

 

 

Metallic surfaces will also react with warm, damp skin if they are handled too much. On silver, this leads to a slow dulling of the shine until it is almost black. This is called tarnish, and has to be cleaned off.

In museums, metals are always handled with gloves on, to protect the surface. Cleaning metals generally needs to be done very carefully. Some pieces have special colour effects, called patinas, which can be cleaned off accidentally.