Chris,

As in all matters regarding cleaning historic or artistic object it
all depending on what you are cleaning and its condition.

Always vacuuam first.

Never used water or water based cleaners on wood - the water will
saturate the wood and raise the grain and possibly swell the wood.

A barely dampened sponge may be acceptable, or one of those soot
sponges if you have soot or grime from heavy pollution.

Some solvents will drive grim into the wood rather than removing it.

Usually mineral spirits are safe for cleaning wood, but you should
test an small inconspicous area first.

Never oil wood. Oils will penetrate and eventually over time will
crosslink and darken. This is an irreversible effect.

Painted or stained finished and decorated wood are much more complex
cleaning tasks and best left to professionals.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California


On 7/11/06, Chris Goodlett <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Dear Listers,
>
> A colleague of mine has asked how to best clean an unfinished, wooden frame
> for a tin sign.  Any suggestions?  Thanks for your help.
>
> Chris Goodlett
> Kentucky Historical Society
>
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