Vintage Washita Stone Labels

[esevato]

Old oil stones Hard Akr & Washtia's with labels still intact are very nice, got this old Pike stone with a sealer acrylic like coating over the label
looks like it may have preserved the label from further deterioration, I guess that was the intent. Some labels are in various stages of deterioration
Questions.... 1# is this a idea worth it ? to save old labels, once there gone their gone
2# what could be used as the sealer substance ..? with a matte or satin finish
.......may experiment with a non valuable item to see how sealer behaves

 

[garry3]

Depends on what you want the label to look like would be the determining factor for me on what I used to seal it.
Some of the labels greatly influence the value of the stone, so much so that labeled stones can be problematic. I think pristine labels are more desirable than sealed ones.
My answer to it is to use unlabeled stones.

What labels are you concerned about, pictures?

 

[eKretz]

Some guys use varnish over the labels to preserve them. I have also seen clear nail polish used, and even spray on clear coat. I have also seen people remove the labels with steam and keep them separate from the stone. That seems the best solution to me but probably won't work in every case.

I collect stones also, but I use mine. I do what I can to keep the labels in good shape. On fragile labels that may be flaking apart or similar I use satin spar varnish so that they don't deteriorate any further. If I can remove the label without damage I do that.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

First thing I do when I get them is take good quality photographs.