ARGHHHHHHHH

NO NAIL POLISH  NO NO NO NO NO NO

It is probably one of the worst things you can put on an object -- full of
horrible nasty chemicals that will cause reactions that can NEVER be
reversed.

Run, do not walk, to the New Museum Registration Methods (published by AAM)
and find out what to use that will not destroy your objects.  There's a
whole chapter, along with even more references.


Janice Klein
Director
MItchell Museum of theAmerican Indian, Kendall College
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-----Original Message-----
From: Tim McShane <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2000 2:14 PM
Subject: Re: Marking of Objects


>Ah, the numbering question.  It's a contradiction, really; you want the
>pieces to be permanently numbered, but in a way that doesn't interfere with
>the object's historic material so it can be removed, if necessary.  It
>should be in a discreet location, but one that can be easily found.
>
>I use nail polish and ink on most items.  First a small patch of clear nail
>polish is applied to the artifact--somewhere that won't be too noticeable
if
>the object is put on display, but can still be visible when the artifact is
>in storage to minimize handling (mostly on the back side of an artifact,
>near the bottom; then I store the artifacts on shelves with their back
sides
>facing the aisle)  Try to avoid placing the number on the bottom of the
>object; this will require that the artifact be picked up to read its
number.
>For larger objects, such as furniture, I also attach a paper tag with a
>large, easily readable number; these are removed when the piece is
>displayed.
>
>Back to the nail polish.  Once it is dry, apply the number with a dip pen
>and a good quality drawing ink (I like Pelican, but there are a number
>available; check with an art or drafting supply store).  I have both black
>and white ink in my "tool kit;" use the one that will provide the best
>contrast.  Once the ink is dry, apply a second coat of clear nail polish to
>protect the ink.
>
>The nail polish is best applied to metal, so it can be easily and
completely
>removed, if necessary.
>
>To number paper artifacts, use a pencil.  Nail polish will permanently
>attach itself to paper, and this is something to avoid.
>
>This raises a question that I have wondered about for some time; what's the
>best way to number wooden artifacts?  If nail polish is applied to a
>varnished wood surface, the varnish will be affected if ever the number has
>to be removed.  On unfinished wood, the nail polish will soak into the
wood.
>I've tried to use pencil on wood, but the number is usually difficult to
>read.  Any thoughts from other listers?
>
>For small objects, I've seen them put into small plastic boxes, and the
>number applied to the box.  As for "valuable" objects, treat them just the
>same as other pieces in your collection.
>
>
>Tim McShane, Collections Manager
>West Parry Sound District Museum
>
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