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Date: Thu, 3 May 2001 17:06:40 -0500
From: Ramona Duncan-Huse <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: pressed board shelves
Sender: Ramona Duncan-Huse <[log in to unmask]>



Medium density fiberboard (MDF) will off gass formaldehyde and acetic acid.
A polyethylene barrier film called Marvelseal can be stapled to the shelves.
It is used in exhibit situations where original materials need to go into
period piece wood drawers, or other exhibit furniture that is made of MDF.
It is available from TALAS; see page 69 of their catalog.  (Telephone number
is 212-219-0770)  It is available in 200 yd rolls 48" wide for $325.00.
Coating the shelves may be less expensive, but you will need several coats
and it must dry for a week, and the immediate offgassing may harm your
collections contained in the same room.  This may be quicker with no off
gassing involved.   Hope this helps.

Ramona Duncan-Huse
Head of Conservation
Indiana Historical Society
450 W. Ohio Street
Indianapolis,  IN.   46202
317-234-0093
[log in to unmask]
opinions expressed are mine and not that of the institution
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