Connecting to Collections Care

Hello, 

We are acquiring group of 19th century painted plaster wall murals that are going to be crated for transport. They have existing crates from a previous move. When they were moved previously, plastic sheeting was placed over the surface of the plaster, followed by a sheet of rigid foam, and then the plywood lid was screwed on. What barrier material would be recommended to protect the surface of the murals? Would clear polyethylene sheeting be acceptable, or would Tyvek or Dartek be better? 

Thank you, 

Kate 

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Kate Kearns
Collections Manager
Historic Deerfield
Deerfield MA
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Hi Kate, paintings conservator Andrea Chevalier sent the following response:

Thin Mylar or Dartek would be fine. If the paint is thick and has a lot of impasto then Dartek would be better as it is softer than any thin Mylar. Any other packing layers could then be used against the mural. This assumes that there are no areas of flaking, detaching, etc. Those condition issues would have to be addressed before packing.

Please feel free to write again with any follow-up questions,

Rebecca

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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
UNC Chapel Hill Libraries
Chapel Hill NC
(919) 962-4250
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Hi Kate, I don't know the answer to this question but I've asked for advice and I'll let you know of any responses I get.

Thanks,

Rebecca

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Rebecca Smyrl
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
UNC Chapel Hill Libraries
Chapel Hill NC
(919) 962-4250
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