Posts: 311
From:
Registered: Aug 2018

posted 07-11-2023 01:48 AM               

---

For years, I've wanted to own an Apollo heatshield plug in lucite. Recently, I was finally able to find one within my budget. However, I'm worried about displaying it, because so many plugs have a fogging effect around the artifact. This seems to be the most severe with Apollo plugs. Every Gemini lucite seems crystal clear. And most of the standard Apollo heatshield artifacts have minor fogging at worst. But the plugs can get so fogged up that the artifact becomes completely invisible.

At first, I assumed that this was an unavoidable effect of time. But in some cases, the fogging seems to occur quickly. For example, in this Heritage listing, the plug is heavily fogged. However, the original COA from 2016 shows a much clearer display. That's a lot of deterioration for just six years.

So I wonder if there's anything that might cause the glue/chemicals to leech into the lucite. Perhaps sunlight or heat speeds this up. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with preserving these? The one I bought has some very light fogging, and I'm hoping to prevent any further deterioration. Thank you!