Preserving & Protecting Old Labels

Have an old/rare bottle you'd like some more info on?

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Preserving & Protecting Old Labels

Unread postby WhiskeyCollector » Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:13 pm

Anyone who has seen old bottles of whiskey will know that sometimes the labels can become loose and damaged. Having a good original label greatly improves the value and collectability of old bottles, especially empty ones.

Loose and/or damaged labels can easily be repaired and preserved with just a few minutes of your time. All you need is a tooth pick, a paper towel, a couple rubber bands, and some water-based glue like Elmer's. Tape is absolutely NOT a good way to repair or preserve old labels. Tape is just ugly, and can turn yellow or brown damaging the label and making it look even worse. Old whiskey labels are not made with the best quality paper and are very fragile.
If your label has creases or folds, you must moisten it first before trying to flatten it out otherwise it will just fall apart. When properly moistened the label shouldn't rip or tear any more than it already has and can be carefully put back where it belongs. If your label is in good shape and has only come loose from the glass you won't need to moisten the label first.

Now use a water-based glue like Elmer's, water it down a little, and carefully put a very light layer of the glue on the glass where the label should go using the tooth pick. Press the label down until the creases flatten out and push it down with a paper towel to dry off the excess moisture. Now hold the repaired label down with a dry folded up piece of paper towel and wrap a rubber band or two around it until it dries(probably a couple hours). If you are careful you can greatly improve the looks and the value of your bottle and preserve the label for years to come!
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Re: Preserving & Protecting Old Labels

Unread postby Bourbon Joe » Tue Dec 30, 2014 7:21 am

Sage advice. Thank you.
Colonel Joseph B. "Bourbon Joe" Koch

Bourbon, It's cheaper than therapy!
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Re: Preserving & Protecting Old Labels

Unread postby WhiskeyCollector » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:59 pm

I hope this post can help to encourage people who have never considered protecting or fixing their old labels to do so. Even if you plan to drink that old bottle of whiskey, having a label that won’t fall apart or fall off can greatly increase the value of your empty bottle. There are bottle collectors who buy old empty whiskey bottles, especially if they have the original labels. Ebay is a good option for selling empties and I’ve seen some of them sell for a lot of money(but only if the labels are in good shape).
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