Many items stored over the years in attics, basements, and stockrooms could become coated with dust, debris and filmy mold or mildew residue. AMG suggests that by simply using a dry cloth or a very mild cleaning solution (spray on cloth, never directly on the item), most of this can be removed. Be careful to use a solution that won’t harm your media, and be aware that overuse of any solution can cause staining. We recommend using Brillianize, which can be purchased at many online retailers.

Many collectors accept retail price stickers since they tell a story of where an item originated and where it sold. AMG does not reduce the condition value unless the sticker is badly damaged and drastically reduces the item’s eye-appeal. Occasionally, old price stickers that have dried up may inadvertently come off the item while in our possession. In the event this happens, the price sticker will not be placed back on the media.

Before sending your media to AMG, please carefully inspect all items for existing flaws and take detailed photos of all sides of each piece of media for your own records.

Make sure to use the appropriate declared value for each item, since this is the maximum compensation you will receive for any lost or damaged packages through the courier. Declared amount should represent the value you would place on your item after it has been archived, as well as all costs associated with sending it to AMG. In the event of initiating an insurance claim, the maximum payout is the lesser amount of the current market value or the insurance value paid for.

AMG recommends that your media be protected with plenty of packaging materials (bubble wrap, packaging peanuts, double boxing, etc.) to ensure that they arrive at AMG in the same condition they were sent. Please make sure your package is insured properly while in transit to AMG.

While AMG uses the best museum quality, ultraviolet-resistant acrylic on the market, we strongly recommend keeping your media away from direct sunlight. Any collector should always be conscious of his or her display environment.

High temperatures may increase the probability of mildew, frosting, warping or shrinking cellophane, and yellowing. Fluctuating temperatures contribute to the deterioration of plastic, cardboard and other packaging materials. All media should be kept inside an environment with temperatures between 59 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prolonged exposure to high humidity can lead to severe swelling and deterioration of paper products, growth of mold and mildew, and yellowing of cellophane. All media should be kept in a climate-controlled environment that is relatively dry and devoid of moisture. In climates where this is difficult, AMG strongly recommends the purchase and use of a dehumidifier.

Circulation and airflow is very important to your collectibles, particularly if they are being moved from one climate to another. To make sure this is being achieved as desired, be sure to inspect those items not on display several times a year by removing them from the protective packaging, which can create an airtight seal.

All items encapsulated at AMG are carefully placed and sealed inside our acrylic cases. This assures preservation of the item in its current condition. When not on display, AMG recommends you keep your media inside the protective packaging wrapped around every item that leaves our facility. This will safeguard your acrylic case from scratches, chips or cracks while being transported or stored, and guarantees that the acrylic will never diminish the appearance of the item it protects.

Once you are ready to display the item, AMG suggests simply removing the item from the packaging and placing it on a secure shelf or inside a dimly lit display cabinet. When dusting is needed, any of the many “Swiffer” style dusters will do the job. If you want to remove fingerprints, smudges, dust, etc., use only a very soft damp cloth with one of the many available acrylic-cleaning products. We recommend using Brillianize, which can be purchased at many online retailers. Do remember that acrylic can be scratched, so never use any solvents, scouring compounds, or standard glass cleaners to clean the acrylic.