Savannah Soaps: Humidity Rotting Summer Lasers?
By Franklin Everett ShawSavannah, Georgia, a city draped in Spanish moss and steeped in history, holds a unique challenge for art collectors. It’s not the threat of theft or damage during transport, but something far more insidious: the relentless humidity. This humidity, particularly during Savannah’s sweltering summers, poses a significant threat to delicate art forms, especially those crafted from soap. Savannah Soaps, known for their intricate, laser-engraved soap art, are particularly vulnerable.
The problem isn’t just surface moisture; it’s a phenomenon I call “humidity rot.” This isn’t a scientific term, mind you, but it perfectly describes the slow, insidious degradation of soap caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity. The soap absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to soften, warp, and eventually lose its sharp details. Laser engravings, the very essence of Savannah Soaps’ artistry, become blurred and indistinct.
So, what can be done to protect these delicate works of art in Savannah’s challenging climate? The answer lies in a multi-pronged approach, focusing on storage, sealing, and display.
First, let’s talk storage. The key is to create a microclimate around the soap that minimizes moisture exposure. Forget simply placing your soap art on a shelf. That’s a recipe for disaster in Savannah. Instead, consider these options:
Airtight Containers: This is your first line of defense. Opt for airtight containers made of plastic or glass. Tupperware or similar brands work well. The goal is to create a barrier against the humid air.
Desiccants: Silica gel packets are your best friend. Place several packets inside the airtight container with your soap art. These packets absorb moisture, keeping the environment dry. Replace or recharge the desiccant packets regularly, as they become saturated over time. You can recharge silica gel packets by baking them in a low-temperature oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few hours.
Humidity Monitoring: Invest in a small hygrometer to monitor the humidity level inside the container. This will give you a clear indication of when the desiccant needs to be replaced or recharged. Aim for a humidity level below 50%.
Now, let’s move on to sealing. While soap is inherently porous, certain sealants can provide a protective barrier against moisture. However, choosing the right sealant is crucial. You don’t want something that will react with the soap or alter its appearance.
Acrylic Sealants: These are generally considered safe for use on soap. Look for a clear, non-yellowing acrylic sealant specifically designed for crafts. Apply a thin, even coat to the soap art, allowing it to dry completely before applying a second coat. Always test the sealant on a small, inconspicuous area of the soap first to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
Beeswax: A natural option, beeswax can provide a protective layer without harsh chemicals. Melt the beeswax and apply a thin coat to the soap art using a soft brush. Allow it to cool and harden. Beeswax will give the soap a slightly glossy finish.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of sealants containing harsh chemicals or solvents. These can damage the soap and alter its color and texture.
Finally, let’s consider display methods. Even with proper storage and sealing, displaying soap art in Savannah requires careful consideration.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can cause the soap to fade and crack. Keep your soap art away from windows and other sources of direct sunlight.
Climate-Controlled Environments: If possible, display your soap art in a climate-controlled room with consistent temperature and humidity levels. This will significantly reduce the risk of humidity rot.
Display Cases: Enclosed display cases can provide an extra layer of protection against humidity and dust. Look for cases with good ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.
Alternative Display: Consider photographing your soap art and displaying the photographs instead of the actual soap. This allows you to enjoy the artistry without risking damage to the original piece.
One common mistake developers make when trying to preserve soap art is using hairspray as a sealant. Hairspray might seem like a quick and easy solution, but it’s a terrible idea. Hairspray contains chemicals that can react with the soap, causing it to discolor and become sticky. It can also attract dust and dirt, making the soap look even worse.
Another pitfall is neglecting to replace or recharge desiccant packets regularly. Desiccants only work if they are dry. Once they become saturated with moisture, they are no longer effective. Set a reminder to check and replace or recharge your desiccant packets every few weeks, especially during the humid summer months.
Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine you’re a tourist visiting Savannah and you purchase a beautiful laser-engraved soap art piece from Savannah Soaps as a souvenir. You take it back home to your air-conditioned apartment in, say, Phoenix, Arizona. You might think you’re safe from humidity rot. However, even in a relatively dry climate like Phoenix, fluctuations in humidity can still cause damage over time. The soap could still dry out and crack. The best approach is to still store the soap in an airtight container with desiccant packets, even in a dry climate.
Another scenario: you live in a historic house in Savannah with poor insulation and no central air conditioning. You love displaying your soap art collection, but you’re constantly battling humidity. In this case, you might consider investing in a dehumidifier for the room where you display your soap art. A dehumidifier can help to lower the humidity level and protect your collection. You could also consider rotating your soap art collection, displaying only a few pieces at a time and storing the rest in airtight containers.
Preserving laser-engraved soap art in Savannah’s humid climate is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following these tips and taking a proactive approach, you can protect your delicate soap art investments and enjoy them for years to come. Remember, the key is to control the environment around the soap, minimizing moisture exposure and preventing humidity rot. Don’t underestimate the power of a good airtight container and a handful of silica gel packets. Your Savannah Soaps will thank you.