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]