one50 Posted July 9, 2007 Share #1 Posted July 9, 2007 I'm starting my collection and finishing off the basement. My section of the basement will have my collection in it. WWI & WWII guns, hats, manuals, books, cloths, gear etc. Being that it's in a basement, where it usually has a higher RH (Relative Humidity) levels does anyone know what the RH should be for a collection of stuff? I can control it with a dehumidifier, but I hate to make it to dry. Any ideas on the matter would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SI Gordon Posted July 9, 2007 Share #2 Posted July 9, 2007 I'm starting my collection and finishing off the basement. My section of the basement will have my collection in it. WWI & WWII guns, hats, manuals, books, cloths, gear etc. Being that it's in a basement, where it usually has a higher RH (Relative Humidity) levels does anyone know what the RH should be for a collection of stuff? I can control it with a dehumidifier, but I hate to make it to dry. Any ideas on the matter would be great. This is a great little site!! http://www.collectioncare.org/cci/ccier.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CNY Militaria Posted July 9, 2007 Share #3 Posted July 9, 2007 I keep mine in the basement, and have the humidity set at about 50%. I had problems before getting it, but none since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rayg Posted July 9, 2007 Share #4 Posted July 9, 2007 I keep mine in the basement, and have the humidity set at about 50%. I had problems before getting it, but none since. I had my humidity set at about 55% for years and have had no noticable damage to any of my cloth or leather items, Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveR Posted July 9, 2007 Share #5 Posted July 9, 2007 I had my humidity set at about 55% for years and have had no noticable damage to any of my cloth or leather items, Ray 55% is what the Smithsonian keeps relative humidity at. It works for me also. If the cement in your basement is not out of portland cement which is water impermiable you will keep your dehumidifier running all the time. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
one50 Posted July 18, 2007 Author Share #6 Posted July 18, 2007 Thank you guys. I'll aim for 55% RH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Sebring Posted July 25, 2007 Share #7 Posted July 25, 2007 What is the acceptable low % for humidity? My basement stays naturally in the high 30% range. I have a cement floor with high gloss enamel floor paint and the walls have all been "Thorough-sealed". Am I too low? I keep most of my firearms in the basement, wiping them down good once or twice a year. I have never had any problems. I have very little leather and limited cloth. Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmax Posted July 25, 2007 Share #8 Posted July 25, 2007 55% is ideal for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAST Posted July 25, 2007 Share #9 Posted July 25, 2007 What is the acceptable low % for humidity? My basement stays naturally in the high 30% range. I have a cement floor with high gloss enamel floor paint and the walls have all been "Thorough-sealed". Am I too low? I keep most of my firearms in the basement, wiping them down good once or twice a year. I have never had any problems. I have very little leather and limited cloth. Greg For cloth and metal, the lower humidity is acceptable. However it can negatively affect any wood products (i.e. gun stocks). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmax Posted July 25, 2007 Share #10 Posted July 25, 2007 Yes, I agree. 30% only may be harmful to paper items as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glen K Posted July 26, 2007 Share #11 Posted July 26, 2007 One thing to remember, too, is that constant and/or extreme variation is more detrimental than even a consistent non-ideal temprature and RH. So for example, 40% all the time is better than switching between 50% and 40% every other day. As stated above, that website can be helpful. Know you know why museums are so darned comfortable in the summertime! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilles F. Posted August 4, 2007 Share #12 Posted August 4, 2007 I bought this dehumidifier yesterday: http://www.ebac.com/products-6000-series.php Quite powerful. Does anyone have an EBAC too? It's a British brand. It has some sort of "SMART" system (check videos on site). I cannot have the humidity level set at 50%, however ... Gilles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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