Stacy, It is impossible to say what may be causing the deterioration of the paint with examining the objects. If could be the result of enviornmental factors, the use of a paint with a low-binder, excessive light exposure, excessive handling, or a deteriorating plaster substrate. Because problems with paint and deteriorating plaster can be complex, and far beyond the scope of what a collector or even curator is trained to deal with, it is best to recommend that handling of the plaster objects be kept to a minimum and that they consult with a qualified objects conservator with experience in the issues and treatment of painted plaster. They can be directed to the AIC (American Institute for Conservation) that offer a free guide to services that will produce a list of objects conservators in their region. The AIC can be contacted at either their web site or by phone: http://aic.stanford.edu 202-452-9545 They can also contact a nearby museum who may keep a referal list of conservators in thier region as well. Cheers! Dave David Harvey Conservator Los Angeles, California USA -----Original Message----- From: Stacy Reaves <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Thu, 11 Aug 2005 14:18:56 -0500 Subject: Plaster care Hello I have a patron with some plaster busts made in the early 1900s. They are beginning to chip and the paint is beginning to crumble when touched and/or handled. Any suggestions on how to best preserve these busts and what to do to help keep them from further deterioration. Thanks Stacy Reaves, Ph.D Director/Curator Sand Springs Historical and Cultural Museum 6 East Broadway Sand Springs, OK. 74063 918-246-2509 ========================================================= 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). ========================================================= 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).