ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ***************************************************************************** Shellac: wonderful organic, high voc! Now, what someone needs to find is a non voc solvent or even an exempt solvent for lac resin. The usual formula contains either isopropyl or ethyl alcohol as the solvent so, you've definitely got yourself a voc based mixture. Water and shellac doesn't work out. One possibility is India ink without the pigment. Be careful. There are quite a few naturally occurring solvent which are volatile and photo chemically active. Alcohols and turpenes would produce a remarkably potent photochemical smog. Reagan Cole, PhD Exhibits Engineer Museum of Life and Science 433 Murray Avenue Durham, NC 27704 (919)220-5429 x371 (phone) (919)220-9639 (fax) [log in to unmask] www.ncmls.org -----Original Message----- From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Bowditch Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 12:05 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: "Green" paint and sealant recommendations ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ************************************************************************ ***** Hi Jeff, Shellac is the miracle 19th century finish. I have used it extensively over the years, it even works very well as lacquer for brass, giving it a real golden color if you use the orange version. Two tips; first, always check the shellac you use to make sure it's up to date. Old shellac doesn't always dry properly. So paint a small area and let dry (should dry in about 15 minutes). Second, always cut the stuff you buy at the store 50-50 with denatured alcohol. Then be patient! You will be applying about 10 coats in a typical application and these dry almost instantly so you can keep going. At about 6-7 coats the magic moment happens and the thing just glows. As an added bonus the stuff is more or less reversible: just rub it down with steel wool (scotch brite is actually better) saturated with alcohol and the finish can be restored, even if it has been damaged. John B -----Original Message----- From: Informal Science Education Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jeff Courtman Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 10:44 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: "Green" paint and sealant recommendations ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ************************************************************************ ***** It might be worth looking into pure shellac which dissolves in alcohol. it is pretty durable and is easy to touch up. might also say it gives a nice feeling to the wood as a natural finish... Jeff Courtman Director of Exhibit Development Museumscapes Office: 972.231.1002 Cell: 469.831.2256 [log in to unmask] *********************************************************************** For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org. Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org. The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask] *********************************************************************** For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org. Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org. The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask] *********************************************************************** For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org. Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org. The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask]