hsquiltingmom

I have been asked to possibly preserve an antique quilt. I have heard that there is a spray that you can use to do that. Is anyone aware of what this spray is or how to go about preserving a quilt? Thanks in advance!

nativetexan

Hmmm. I've only heard of acid free tissue paper and boxes to put them in.

Prism99

What do you mean by "preserve"? Museums have preservation protocols they follow for antique quilts, but I don't think you are asking about that. Light of any kind has a deteriorating effect on fabric, so I am wondering if you are thinking about the spray that protects fabric from UV light. This would not be a preservation technique used on an antique quilt. The only use I can think of for the UV spray is if you have made a quilt that you want to hang on a wall, but that is not meant to be preserved for generations. In that case I might be tempted to spray the quilt with the UV product just so that it would not fade as fast in its position that is exposed to light.

Edit: One method to help antique quilts survive longer is to hand baste bridal veil type fabric (I think it's call "illusion"?) over areas that are beginning to disintegrate.

Most steps taken to preserve antique quilts involve care in how they are cleaned and care in how they are stored.

PaperPrincess

A Spray??? I would just stabilize any areas that are showing wear with tulle as a previous poster mentioned, then fold on the bias, putting crushed acid free tissue in the folds to prevent further creasing and store in an archival box.
If you live in an urban area, I would also contact any museums or historical societies to see what they would recommend for textile storage.

Sewnoma

I've heard of sprays for PAPER items, that can help reduce the acidity, but not for quilts/fabric.

Jingle

If kept out of light and sun rays would cause them to last a very long time.