Just a note about using non-cotton gloves (ie., "plastic gloves") Some people have serious reactions to latex gloves which can range from simple skin irritation to full-blown reactions on a par with bee-stings. Be really careful if you issue latex and warn volunteers to discontinue use at the first sign of discomfort or skin reaction. The other type of non-cotton glove is vinyl. These work well although you have to be aware that they often have a fine white gloving powder on them (talc) which can get smeared all over an artifact if someone is oblivious to the presence of the powder. It pays to make it an habitual practice to wipe off these gloves when you first don them before handling an object. If you are wearing non-cotton gloves for a period of time you will tend to sweat within these gloves (they don't breathe) and this can lead to mild dermetitis. In this instance, if touch-sensitivity isn't a concern, you can wear cotton gloves inside of the vinyl or latex, which makes the process much more comfortable. Dave David Harvey Conservator of Metals & Arms Colonial Williamsburg Foundation P.O. Box 1776 Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-1776 USA voice: 804-220-7039 e-mail: [log in to unmask]