I can vouch for the smell test from home experience. The kitchen cupboards
were painted with oil-based paint just before we bought it 13 years ago.
They still smell, especially the insides, although not as much as when we
first lived in it.

|((|  Ellen Chapman, MLS, MA, CA
|))|  Archives & Manuscripts Department
|((|  University of Hawaii at Manoa Library
|))|  (808) 944-7656






On Wed, 21 Jun 2006, Michael McColgin wrote:

> This is one of those very rare instances in which there is no doubt:
> LATEX. The solvents in oil-based paints take forever (almost) to
> completely volatize. Even with latex, use the nose test: if you can
> smell it, it is not stable, so wait to use the room, shelves, whatever,
> until you cannot smell the paint. Then wait one more day.
>
>
>
> Michael McColgin
>
> Conservation Officer
>
> Arizona State Archives
>
>
>
> I speak only for myself.
>
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Archives & Archivists [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
> Behalf Of Douglas Baldwin
> Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 8:17 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: latex versus oil based paint
>
>
>
> Hello List,
>
>
>
> Again I am looking toward your experiences and expertise for some
> guidance in a decision being made for the library project I am engaged.
> The historical society has decided to repaint the library in the coming
> weeks and their is some question as to the type of paint to be used.
> This is significant because the bookshelves in the library are wooden
> and would be painted along with the walls and ceiling. Many of the books
> are old, plus we do have a good amount of archival materials that are
> currently not stored in proper recepticles (were working on it!) that
> would placed on shelves until recepticles were procured.
>
>
>
> My question is based on both shelf storage of archival and library
> materials, would it be best to use a latex based or oil based paint.
> Optimally, we would love to have metal shelving but reality being what
> it is thats currently not an option. So, we are essentially looking to
> choose among the lesser or two evils in this case.
>
>
>
> I know a little bit about the pros and cons of each in regards to
> durability, wear, etc. But I am more concerned with hearing from anyone
> who might be able to shed some light on the pros and cons for either or
> each in regards to their effects on archival and library type materials
> and their direct contact
>
>
>
> Any opinions, advice, etc is greatly appreciated
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
>
> Doug Baldwin
>
> ________________________________
>
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A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org.
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Problems?  Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>