Hi Erika

Several easily available sources could help you, one from the National Parks 
Service and one from the National Association for Museum Exhibition (NAME)

From NPS, follow this link to a group of resources on exhibit conservation
http://www.nps.gov/hfc/products/cons/ex-con.htm

From NAME, you can order a copy of the journal "The Exhibitionist" that 
focuses on exhibits and conservation. (www.name-aam.org) Look for the 
Publications link on the left and then scroll down to to the Fall 2001 
issue "Designing for Conservation" Ordering instructions are on the web site. 

One short answer to your question is: clear poplar is a good wood choice, oak 
is a really bad one as it is an acidic wood. Look for low VOC paints and sealers 
and allow them to off gas for several weeks, 6 would be ideal. 

You can laminate the interior of the case with Formica (yes, Formica) for a 
fairly neutral surface that will seal against wood off gassing. As for venting 
the case, you need to balance that against dust or insect infiltration. 

Your concerns should also center around how stable the garments are, how 
bright the lights are, and how consistently the temperature and humidity can 
be maintained. 

You might also look for the NPS Conserve-o-grams. They're online and a great 
source of brief, easy to use, information on preservation and exhibition for 
many objects. 

http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/cons_toc.html

Diane

Diane Gutenkauf
Director
Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny
1S151 Winfield Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-260-8159 (v)
630-260-8160 (f)
[log in to unmask]
www.cantigny.org


On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:43:01 -0900, Erika Brown 
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Hello.  I am trying to help a local hospital with their design /
>construction of two wall display cases for their new diagnostic wing.  I
>am trying to find some design examples and preferred materials.  They
>are wanting to build two large cases in a waiting room area for
>displaying garments.  Track lighting will be used rather than having
>lights in the case.  Most likely the case will be constructed of wood
>with glass or acrylic.
>
>Even though wood is not the most ideal material, is there one type that
>is better than others to use?  Would it be feasible to paint the
>interior of the case with paint to mitigate off-gassing and leave the
>outside as unpainted wood?  Is there one type of paint that is better
>than others?  What about ventilation?
>
>Does anyone what any wall case designs they would be able to share?
>
>Thank you in advance for any advice you might have!
>Erika
>

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