Made-to-measure protective covers for museum objects, shelving, equipment and collection storage systems.
Archvail works with museums, galleries, archives, libraries, conservators and collection teams to develop practical Tyvek cover specifications. Each project considers the stored item, dimensions, access requirements, identification and handling routine.
Request a museum storage cover quote
Protect museum collections from everyday storage risks
Objects stored on open racks, shelves, trolleys or equipment remain exposed to dust, incidental handling, light and minor splashes. A fitted outer cover can provide an additional reusable barrier within a wider preventive-conservation programme.
Protective covers do not replace appropriate primary enclosures, environmental control, pest management, leak prevention or professional conservation advice. They should be specified for the actual object and storage environment.
Applications for museum storage covers
Archvail can assess made-to-measure covers for:
- museum objects stored on open shelving
- collection boxes and primary enclosures
- mobile shelving bays and cabinets
- framed works and art-storage racks
- garment and textile storage systems
- museum trolleys and handling equipment
- large, irregular or repeatable object formats
- equipment moving between storage and work areas
If your project involves direct material contact, a highly sensitive object or unusual environmental conditions, involve a qualified conservator in the final specification.
Why specify a fitted Tyvek cover?
Lightweight protection
Tyvek offers useful tear resistance at a low weight, supporting covers that staff can remove and refit during routine access.
Dust and handling barrier
A correctly fitted cover helps reduce exposed gaps and loose excess material compared with improvised sheeting. It can also reduce incidental contact during activity around stored objects.
Reusable construction
A durable cover can be inspected, cleaned where appropriate and returned to service. Covers should be checked regularly for tears, soiling and damaged closures.
Access and identification
Depending on the application, a design may incorporate flaps, zip openings, label pockets or identification windows so teams can work without removing the complete cover.
Made to the storage system
Custom dimensions and repeated sizes can support one-off objects, shelving programmes and collection-wide storage projects.
Custom cover options
Available design features depend on the object, selected material, dimensions and intended use. Options considered during specification may include:
- fitted rectangular or shaped profiles
- front, side or split access
- zip or flap closures
- openings around fixed handles or components
- label pockets and viewing windows
- reinforcement at selected areas
- repeatable sizes for storage programmes
Seams, closures and openings affect finished performance. A completed cover should not be treated as flood protection or a sealed humidity-control enclosure.
How to request a museum cover quote
1. Describe the collection item or system
Tell us what requires protection, how it is stored and the main risks you want the cover to reduce.
2. Provide dimensions and photographs
Send maximum width, depth and height in millimetres, plus front, side, rear and detail photographs. Include handles, hinges, wheels and fragile projections. Follow our guide to measuring for a custom protective cover.
3. Define access and identification
Explain how often staff use the item, which areas must remain accessible and where labels or barcodes need to be visible.
4. Confirm quantities and delivery
Provide the quantity for each size, delivery postcode and required timeframe. For repeated covers, a representative sample may help confirm fit before further production.
5. Review the specification and quotation
Archvail will clarify assumptions, proposed features, quantities and lead time before production.
Information to include
- organisation and project contact
- object, box or equipment type
- maximum dimensions in millimetres
- quantity for each size
- photographs of all relevant faces
- protrusions and fragile areas
- access and closure preferences
- label or viewing requirements
- storage conditions and handling frequency
- delivery location and target date
Learn more about specifying protective covers
Read our Tyvek museum and archival storage guide and our museum storage cover specification and buying guide. For other collection applications, view custom archival storage covers.
Request a museum storage cover quote
Send Archvail your dimensions, photographs, quantities and access requirements. We support enquiries from Australian museums and collection organisations, with international projects considered based on specification and delivery requirements.