Mount Care
Maintenance for a Lasting Memory
Time not only affects living things, trophies too suffer from deterioration. Even when created with the highest standards of craftsmanship and capable of lasting for centuries, the original quality of a mount will fade if it is neglected, left to gather dust, or exposed to the slow but relentless effects of humidity, mold, sunlight, or pests.
Dust & Surface Wear
Dust may seem harmless, but over time it settles deep into feathers, dulling the natural sheen and leaving colors lifeless. Rough dusting or vacuuming can break delicate barbs, causing permanent harm. The best care is gentle: use a soft feather duster or a barber’s brush, and clean regularly to prevent buildup. Always brush with the feathers, never against them, to avoid twisting or breaking their fine structure.
Humidity & Mold
Excess humidity is one of the greatest enemies of taxidermy. It softens skins, attracts mold, and creates an inviting environment for insects. The ideal environment is stable and climate-controlled. Do not store mounts in a damp basement or an attic that bakes in summer. A simple dehumidifier or humidity monitor can make all the difference in safeguarding a collection.
Sunlight & Lighting
Direct sunlight, or even prolonged exposure to intense artificial lighting, will bleach colors and fade markings beyond repair. Once the pigments are gone, no amount of restoration can return them to their original vibrancy. Mounts should always be displayed in areas of indirect light, with UV-protective films or curtains if natural light is unavoidable.
Insects & Rodents
Carpet beetles, clothes moths, and other insects can devastate collections in a matter of weeks, while rodents such as mice may gnaw on mounts for nesting material. Vigilance is essential: inspect your trophies regularly for signs of powdery residue or small holes in the skin and feathers. Professional-grade insect deterrents, placed discreetly, can help prevent infestations. And if a problem is suspected, addressing it early is always less costly and far more effective than attempting full restoration later. Check out some highly recommended products here: https://mountmedix.com.
Accidental Damage
Not all threats come from the environment. Children at play, curious pets, or simple household accidents can break delicate wings or necks in an instant. To minimize risk, mounts should be displayed where they can be admired but not easily reached. Elevated displays or protective cases add both safety and elegance.
Protective Display Cases
One of the most effective ways to safeguard mounted birds is through enclosed displays such as glass cases or domes. Beyond their elegance, these enclosures form a barrier against dust, airborne particles, pests, and accidental handling. By limiting exposure to the surrounding environment, they help maintain feather integrity, color, and overall condition far longer than mounts left uncovered.
Another advantage is practicality: mounts kept in protective cases require far less cleaning and routine maintenance than those left exposed. Because every cleaning, no matter how gentle, carries some risk of feather breakage or distortion, minimizing the need for it helps extend the life of the mount.
For delicate or highly valuable trophies, cases also add a sense of refinement, turning a mount into a curated piece of art. Whether displayed in custom-built glass cabinets or individual glass domes, these enclosures combine preservation with presentation, ensuring your trophies remain both protected and admired.
Preserving a Legacy
A mount is not just a trophy; it is a memory, a story, and often a legacy meant to outlast the hunter who brought it home. Preserving it requires attention, but not constant effort. With a stable environment, regular light cleaning, and vigilance against pests, your collection can remain as striking decades from now as the day it was created.
At Aix Taxidermy, we craft mounts to endure, but their lasting beauty depends on how they are cared for once they leave our studio. By giving your trophies the respect they deserve, you ensure they remain more than decorations; they become heirlooms.
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