Greetings:

I would care for these objects much in the same way as I would care for
wooden objects with a finish or coating: a stable environment, protected
against light and pests.  However, they are also very vulnerable to dust,
dirt, grime and anything else that can be absorbed into the pores of the
wood and can be very difficult to clean. Consequently, they need to be
protected against dust, dirt and grime, and handled wearing clean nitrile
gloves. The fibers in cotton gloves may catch on the wood.  Use a vacuum and
soft brush to surface clean these objects, making sure that you do not rub
any of the dirt into the surface.

Hope this helps.

Wendy Jessup
Conservator
Wendy Jessup and Associates, Inc.
933 N. Kenmore Street, Suite 323
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 522-2801
Fax: (703) 522-2802
www.collectioncare.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Jane Kirk
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 1:48 PM
Subject: Preserving Unfinished Wood

We have a large number of furniture pieces and artifacts in our collection 
that are unfinished. (no stain or coating of any kind) I have found a 
number of suggestions for caring of finished wood pieces but cannot find 
anything on caring of unfinished wood artifacts. What should we use to 
protect the wood and how to care for the pieces?
Thank you so much for your input!
Jane Kirk
Musuem of Appalachia

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