One of the best ways to help to reduce the costs of lead orders is to buy in bulk. While it is fairly easy to stack and store lead ingots, bars, and pig lead, it can be more challenging to store lead plate, and sheet lead correctly.
This can become even more complicated if the plate or sheet lead is custom sized or oversized, and may not stack easily on current racking and storage systems in the shop or in the yard.
There are two different factors to consider when storing any type of lead. One is in keeping the lead clean and free from oil, grease and surface contaminants, and the other is to keep the lead in the sheet or plate form flat for easy use when it needs to be used as shielding material or in other types of applications.
Cleaning Issues
Any type of sheet or plate made of lead can discolor over time. By storing it in a dry place where rain and humidity levels do not cause water to deposit on the lead, this can be largely eliminated.
It is also important to store lead away from any type of chemicals or metals that can rust or cause a reaction with the lead surface. A light white stain on the surface of any type of lead can usually be removed with a fine nylon brush.
Store Flat
Always store lead plate and sheet lead flat, never leaning up against a wall. If possible, leave the sheet or plate on the original pallet and in the packaging in which it was shipped. Never stack pallets on top of each other as this adds to the weight on the bottom palette which can break or buckle, allowing the bottom lead to also bend.
Finally, do not leave the lead sitting directly on the ground or the floor if there is any risk of moisture. Simple storage practices are that is needed to keep your lead looking like new.
