Trevco Museum Gel

Recently I was given a sample of Trevco Clear Museum Gel to test for
suitability for use in contact with museum objects.  The product
literature enclosed with the Museum Gel describes it as...

   "the first revolutionary clear and invisible adhesive for
    securing your most prized decorative possessions that is
    removable without a mess.  You asked for it and now you got it!

   "When you first touch Clear Museum Gel, it does not appear sticky
    in the least.  It feels gel-like instead.  You can roll it,
    squeeze it and it does not make your fingers feel sticky.  It
    really is a plastic liquid that is thixotropic (a liquid that
    flows into a more solid thin film).  This is one of the greatest
    unique features.  It is not a runny liquid as we know water to
    be.  It is a gel-like liquid with density.  This gel-like
    density begins to flow based on the force of gravity and
    conforms to the weight and size of the object you are securing.
    It is a liquid that transforms into a solid film over time to
    create a secure bond and is completely removable and reusable.
    Clear Museum Gel takes about 30-60 minutes for a complete
    adherence and, during that time, reshapes itself to the bottom
    of the object you are securing.  Allow overnight for the best
    adhesion.  It is truly an amazing thing to observe."

While I don't dare question its manufacturer's claims (it truly is
an amazing thing to observe, and great fun to play with.  I can only
describe it as wonderfully transparent slime), I am very curious as
to exactly what it is.  I'm a little leery of a product which
cautions,

   "While product is non-toxic, we recommend keeping this product
    out of reach of children and pets.  If ingested, induce
    vomiting."

and

   "Staining may occur on surfaces not considered impenetrable or
    impervious to water or moisture.  Stain may sometimes be removed
    with paint thinner, dry cleaning fluid, water-based emulsions
    and possibly dishwashing soap (i.e., Palmolive)."

Nevertheless, my curiosity has been piqued.  I'm wondering if anyone
on the DistList has ever used this product or has done materials
testing on it to determine exactly what it is.

Will Jeffers
Collections Care Specialist
Department of Scientific Research
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:42
                Distributed: Wednesday, February 2, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-42-025
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