Agents of deterioration:A variety of mechanisms that cause damage to museum collections. The agents include: light, pests, incorrect temperature and humidity, fire, water, physical force, and vandals.
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Batting:Layers of synthetic fibrous material used for stuffing or packing.
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Calcium enriched deionized water: Deionized water passed through purified calcium chips in order to add calcium back to water. It also adjusts pH of the water to neutral.
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Conservation treatment: The deliberate alteration of the chemical and/or physical aspects of cultural property and natural resources aimed primarily at prolonging its existence. Treatment may consist of stabilization and/or restoration.
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Conservator: A Conservator has knowledge, education, training and experience in science, art and other fields. These skills are used to prolong the life of museum objects through a variety of specialized techniques.
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Crepeline: A loosely woven, plain weave, glue-sized silk organdy that can be easily dyed.
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DAP vinyl spackling compound: (Trade name) A commercial and industrial product of DAP, Inc.
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Desiccation: Loss of chemically bound water.
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Iron gall ink: Widely used to write on parchment and vellum papers, acidic iron gall inks were commmon during the 17th-19th centuries. Acidic iron gall inks may produce a lace or stencil effect by actually eating into the paper until the sketch or words are eaten away. These inks were frequently used in fountain pens in the 1860s and 1870s.
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Liquitex acrylic emulsion paint: (Trade name) A commercial and industrial product of Liquitex.
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Pellon: A non-woven synthetic fabric.
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Preventive Care: Non-interventive actions taken to prevent damage to and minimize deterioration of a museum object. Such actions include monitoring, recording, and controlling environmental agents; inspecting and recording the condition of objects; establishing an integrated pest management program; practicing proper handling, storage, exhibit, housekeeping and packing and shipping techniques; and incorporating needed information and procedures about objects in emergency operation plans.
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Raking light: Light shining on an object from a low angle. Flaking surfaces show up well in raking light.
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Restoration: Treatment procedures intended to return objects to a known or assumed state, often through the addition of non-original material.
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Rohm and Haas Acryloid B-72 (ethyl methacrylate/methylacrylate): (Trade name) An acrylic resin produced by the Rohm and Haas Company that is used as an adhesive by conservators.
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Stabilization: Treatment procedures intended to maintain the integrity of objects and minimize deterioration.
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Transmitted light:.Light shining through an object from behind.
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Ultraviolet light: High energy light that is not visible to humans.
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Visible light:Light that the human eye can see.
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