Cleaning wood sections

We have a section of a redwood tree that has been on exhibit A Long
Time. The surface coating is very thick and deteriorated. I  suspect
that it started out as an annual application of shellac and then got
into fully synthetic polymers. I've tried testing with a few mild
solvents without great success. The exhibits director wants a fast
remover. I want a conservationally sound approach. Suggestions and
advice are welcomed.

Sally Shelton
Director, Collections Care and Conservation
San Diego Natural History Museum
P.O. Box 1390
San Diego, California  92112
619-232-3821
Fax: 619-232-0248

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:72
                  Distributed: Friday, April 26, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-9-72-007
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