How to secure items in a shadow box?

[tdogchristy90]

I realize this is in the preservation section but given I'm looking at this more from the acidic, glue, chemical side of preservation and degrading of the items, I thought I would put it here. I am game planning a shadow box. Once I have the display figured out, what would be the best way to secure the display inside the shadow box? should I just glue it in, use some other type of attachment, any thoughts or feelings from others that have worked on shadow box displays?

[triplecanopy]

You did not say what you are displaying, but if it is badges with clutch backed prongs, I do have a suggestion. Get some foam board insulation (it comes in 4x8 sheets at home Depot) or less if you just have a small display. You can cut the foam board to fit your shadow box. A cloth covering that is appropriate  color (I like camo material) with what you are displaying and you can use the clutch prongs to hold the badges in place. If You are displaying patches, you can do the same thing to take up excess space in the frame, but I have had good luck with double sided tape or masking tape. I would Not recommend glue or removing pins on the back of badges to make them fit. Hope that helps.

[tdogchristy90]

10 minutes ago, triplecanopy said:

You did not say what you are displaying, but if it is badges with clutch backed prongs, I do have a suggestion. Get some foam board insulation (it comes in 4x8 sheets at home Depot) or less if you just have a small display. You can cut the foam board to fit your shadow box. A cloth covering that is appropriate  color (I like camo material) with what you are displaying and you can use the clutch prongs to hold the badges in place. If You are displaying patches, you can do the same thing to take up excess space in the frame, but I have had good luck with double sided tape or masking tape. I would Not recommend glue or removing pins on the back of badges to make them fit. Hope that helps.

 

Thank you. I did not specify what I am displaying as I am still working it out. The display itself isn't so much the ask, as is how to secure the display within the shadow box once it is put together. Think of it like a model. You build a model then are trying to figure out how to secure the model into a display box. Same principle, once the display is figure out, the best way to secure/attach the display within the shadow box. I could just use archival adhesive on a backing board, but I thought I'd ask around.

[Airborne-Hunter]

"Foam board" or "foam core" from most craft stores is acidic. I would recommend using acid free versions. Medals should be pinned and then the planchets sewn down. Gravity will affect the medal drapes. Be cognizant of this. Never take medals to michaels or similar stores to mount. They will glue them down and use other inappropriate means to secure. This is the worst thing you can do.I have mounted paperwork, photos and even books by putting them in proper sleeves and then securing the sleeves. This has worked well