ABSTRACT - It is important to understand how silica gels vary in performance in order to select
the most cost-effective gel for a particular application. MH, the hysteresis corrected buffering
capacity of silica gel, is the critical variable for assessing silica gel efficiency. Calculating the
correct quantity of silica gel allows for the cost-efficient selection of an appropriate amount of
buffering material. If certain variables in the calculation are unknown, such as leakage rate or
external RH conditions, general recommendations based on average display conditions have been
provided, both for temporary exhibitions and for permanent displays. Finally, simple procedures
for the use and maintenance of silica gel have been described. Passive humidity control within an
exhibit case, when applied correctly, is a very simple and cost-efficient method of protecting
museum collections from humidity induced damage.