It is entirely possible that if your box is covered in something it is probably not vinyl, but there is nothing you can do. Late 1950s Barbie dolls have a similar problem. The PVC they're made from has an inherent vice that causes it to break down and the surface becomes sticky. Here's a reference: http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Barbies-Health-Hazard.htm I wouldn't let my kids near the thing until I had it tested. A professional conservator can test your box. You can find a conservator by contacting the American Association for Conservation (AIC) http://aic.stanford.edu/ Diane Gutenkauf On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 15:44:52 -0400, Jeremy T. Chrabascz <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >My father-in-law has his Walt Disney/Davy Crockett toy box with lid from >when he was a child. They would like to use it for our daughter. > >The problem is that the outside of it is fairly sticky, dirty and whatever >paint was originally used appears tacky. My mother-in-law tested a section >using goo-gone (or one of those brands) and, unfortunately, it began to >take off and/or bleed the original paint. > >I would like to help them treat it and be able to use it without >compromising its physical or historical integrity. The box appears to be >tinned sheet metal covered in a yellowish vinyl (or other synthetic >material). > >Thoughts? Suggestions? And no, small amounts of plain old water with mild >detergent didn't cut-it either. Thanks in advance for your time and >consideration. > >========================================================= >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).