Thanks to those who gave me advice on removing whiteout from artifacts. At the risk of starting another argument--oops!--discussion among the conservators, I've summarized the advice below. As I continue my collections work, I have been finding white-out on every type of surface imaginable, though so far not on any of the paper or textiles (*phew*) General advice: See whether white-out can be removed physically with your fingernail. It may just pop off in one piece. (Unfortunately the patches in our museum were too thinly applied for this to work, but I may be able to just scrape it off metal and stone surfaces with my nails--screek-screek) Removing white-out from textiles: find out if white-out is water or alcohol- based and then consult dry-cleaning establishment for advice. Removing from wood: Sharpen the cotton swab ends of Q-tip into points. Use a tiny bit of mineral spirit, removing as much excess as possible from swab before applying. Apply a bit of pressure and move swab in little circular motions. If at any time you see a blanching of the wood finish or paint then stop immediately. If mineral spirits only make the white-out look cleaner, then try toluene (nail polish remover) or acetone--but be very careful! Use tiniest amount possible and have good ventilation. You can freshen the surface after cleaning with Antiquax or Renaissance Wax. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | "The Industrial Revelation would never [log in to unmask] | have occurred but for the wave of great MA program in Public History ü mechanical Inventors, e.g. Arkwright, Indiana University at ü who invented the Spinning Jenny, or Indianapolis | unmarried textile working girl." ü --Sellar & Yeatman, _1066 & All That_ _____________________________ ü_________________________________________