Dear All:
I am posting this question for a friend new to the "business."  He heads an all-volunteer staff that is divided over the preservation techniques necessary to preserve an old shovel and roll top desk.  I have given my two cents, but he would prefer to have the advice of several professionals.

First, the museum was given an old rusty railroad shovel.  Half of the staff wants to remove the rust with steel wool and then seal the shovel with polyurethane or something appropriate for the job.  The other half of the staff wants to take a wheel to remove the rust and paint it black with rust-o-leum.  What should they do to best preserve this shovel?

Second, they were given an old roll top desk.  Half of the staff wants to refinish the old desk.  The other half wishes to remove a layer or two of old finish.  What is the appropriate course to take?
Sincerely
Brenda

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Brenda G.  Day
Museum Director/Archivist
Baker University
PO Box 65
Baldwin City, Kansas 66006-0065
785.594.6809 work
785.766.2667 cell
785.594.2522 fax
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