I've used this product at home at my computer work station and it
adhered to the painted surface.I only noticed this when I attempted to
lift it and do some housekeeping I am suspicious of it and am not sure
about it offgassing but that is a good possibility.You could write the
manufacturer and ask them these technical questions before condemming
it. Volara and ethafoams made for our trade are safe but are cream and
white in color and so may be too obvious in such a setting.Either foam
would create a barrier to the perhaps unfinished wood on your shelves
setting up an acidic reaction with any topically painted designs on your
china. 
Regards

Len Hambleton - Objects Conservator
North Carolina Museum of History
5 East Edenton Street
Raleigh NC. 27601-1011
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919-715-0200 x244
"Information in the spirit of sharing,catch the wave!"

Opinions expressed in this message may not represent the policy of my
agency

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jaap van der Burg [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Sunday, January 25, 1998 5:30 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Storage in historic house museum
> 
> John D'Angelo wrote: 
>       I am considering ways to utilize existing, built-in shelves in a
> 
>       historic house museum to provide much needed storage space for
> china and 
>       glass objects.  The shelves are very deep and have double doors
> that 
>       close completely.  We can't alter the shelves by attaching a lip
> or 
>       using double sided tape and polyethylene foam to line the
> shelves. 
>       Has anyone ever used rubber, non slip webbing (the kind sold at
> dime 
>       stores for lining kitchen shelves) for this type of storage? 
> Apparently 
>       the material can be cut to size, lies flat and prevents objects
> from 
>       moving.  It is an appealing option since it is easily removed
> and 
>       inexpensive.  I'm concerned about  potential off-gasing and
> damage to 
>       the wood shelves.   Any comments or ideas will be appreciated. 
>       Starlyn D'Angelo, Collections Manager, 
>       King Manor Museum 
>       Jamaica, NY
>   First of all I wonder why you cannot use any of the tested materials
> you mentioned. Second since you are talking about deep shelves it
> might be wise to consider drawers or boxes on these shelves. These
> make it possible to use most of the space effective as well as save.
> When a lot of objects are pleced on deep shelves damage is imminent.
> When you put the same amount of objects in drawers or boxes usage is
> easier. Of course you will have to secure the objects against damege
> by movement. Precently we are working with a rather inexpencive
> merthod involving fiberfill and tubular bandages. 
> Jaap van der Burg 
> Collection Care & Consult << File: ccc.html >>