Hi Jessica,

Unfortunately, the only professionally responsible answer to that question/quandary is to do what you are told by a conservator who comes to view the piece, or who takes it back to their lab for analysis. The historic finish has to be thoroughly tested to determine its composition and sensitivity(ies) before any treatment(s) is applied. No advice we can provide on the forum can substitute for that process, and could easily do permanent harm.

Mark Janzen
Registrar/Collection Manager
Ulrich Museum of Art
Martin H. Bush Outdoor Sculpture Collection
316-978-5850

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jessica Dawkins
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 12:36 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Proper Wood Treatment

This is my first email to you all, so I thank you in advance!

We have a mid-19th century walnut table in our collection that has some sort
of varnish or shellac covering that is now cloudy, cracked, and uneven.  We
know that certain cleaners, refinishers, etc can be very damaging, so we
want to know what is the proper way to treat the wood in order to get it
looking nice again while maintaining the integrity of the piece.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!


--
Jessica Dawkins
Portland Museum
2308 Portland Avenue
Louisville, KY  40212
502.776.7678
502.776.9874 (fax)

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