[BCMA] Outdoor display cases

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Tammy, 

One very important thing to consider when choosing plexi or acrylic panels outside, even under shelter, is the dust and dirt on the plexiglass regarding the  cleaning factor.  Depending on the size of the dust kicked up by the wind, you will have a dickens of a time keeping the plexi from getting scratched when it is cleaned.  As you probably already know, with Plexi you should NEVER use windex or similar window cleaner as there is a gradual chemical reaction that begins to break down the plexi which will begin to get small cracks.  You need to use a special cleaner designed for Plexi.  Half of our display cases and all of our models and individual wall units are plexi.  

My advice is what ever you do, use glass outdoors.  You can still get the glass coated in a clear covering which would keep the glass from shattering should it break.  It would stay somewhat together when (and if) it breaks.  

You might look into using old recycled Barn windows or farm house windows. Also, if they are multi pane windows, if one breaks it is far cheaper to replace the one glass panel, than a much larger sheet of glass, unless you have a deal with a local window shop that recycles single pane windows.  Some glass companies will supply the glass for free (as a donation to the museum) and some even cut it to size for you.  Plus windows would give the appearance of the "building" without walls.  

I have attached a couple of examples of display units built with old windows that you might consider.

at your service,

Lewis Bartholomew
Founder & Executive Director
The Alberni Project
mrbarth at alberniproject.org
250-897-4611
Hours Tues - Sat  10-4

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MUSÉE DU NCSM ALBERNI
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On 2018-02-22, at 10:20 AM, Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv. wrote:

> Hello, world!
>  
> I am in the midst of planning an exhibit for an outdoor space (photo below). I want to put a couple of chainsaws out there, as well as saw blades and other objects from some of the local sawmills. However, as this is right at the main entrance to the Museum’s property, I also want to keep that nice welcoming openness of the shed – so I was thinking Plexiglas display cases without wooden or metal frames – just a support along the bottom – to protect the objects without adding any more solid structure to the space than absolutely necessary. The cases will be along the sides of the shed, between the support posts, so under the roof but still within range of blowing rain and snow.
>  
> I’m pretty sure sealed Plexi will keep most of the bugs out, but what about condensation? I’ve also been told that water doesn’t just roll off Plexiglas. And is there a way to build these cases so they are sealed but still let us change or add objects occasionally without having to destroy things?
>  
> Thoughts? Suggestions for alternatives?
>  
> Thanks!
>  
> Tammy
>  
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Tammy Bradford, Manager
> Creston & District Museum & Archives
> 219 Devon Street, Creston, BC V0B 1G3
> Phone 250-428-9262
> www.crestonmuseum.ca
> Find us on Facebook!
>  
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