Margaret,

I too would be concerned about any volatiles from the application of the
polyurethane coatings to the floor. Also, some oragnic solvents can soften and
dissolve plastics and I would also be concerned about the plastic sheeting
trapping the vapors and getting tacky or sticky to the frames. I would definitely go
with glascine instead of plastic to wrap the paintings.

Also organic solvents can affect varnish layers and paint films making them
also tackyand any repairs to the frames can become softened too.

So, I would recommend having a conservator review the technical data sheets
on the poly product you intend to use at a minimum and for you to share any
condition or conservation reports on file for the works in this room.

I would strongly encourage your moving the paintings to another location if
at all possible - it is pretty much mandatory when any sort of construction or
related work is conducted around collections. Risk assessments pretty much
show that the majority of disasters that occur in musuems and historic houses
occur during construction or remodeling. It is simple due diligence to get your
collections moved and out of the way of potential problems.

Perhaps a group of museum or conservation "Angels" in Philadelphia can help
you out with this. I know that the American Institute for Conservation (AIC)
not only conducts Angels projects at the locale of our annual meetings, but we
also have a program to encourage independant Angels projects around the USA. An
ad hoc group of similar colleagues and friends could certainly aid you in
protecting your collection.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Artifacts
2930 South Birch Street
Denver, CO  80222
303-300-5257
[log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).