James Gielow 5/20/11
Good morning all,
I'm trying to find an inert silicone gel sheeting as a dampener for an
exhibition coming up. We will not have any time to build seismic
mounts so I would like to use something low tech that will help to
stabilize dishes, glasses and vases. We can't use quake wax because
the tables that these objects are on are objects themselves.
A while back, I received some samples from Gelmec in the UK which
makes different types of urethane sheeting. It is inert, clear and
really helped as a cushion in similar situations. The price for this
is astronomical and way out of the realm of possibility for us. I'm
looking for something that is around 1mm thick with no adhesive on
either side so it doesn't damage the surface of these wood tables.
And, of course, something inert.
Any help or advice would be most appreciated.
Cheers,
James Gielow Head Preparator San Diego Museum of Art
Philip Brutz
5/20/11
We use silicone sheet from McMasster under some ceramic, stone and metal objects to keep them from sliding around on pedestals but I have have never tried it on a wood table that was artwork itself.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#silicone-rubber-sheets/=ce0d9n
Philip Brutz Mountmaker Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Blvd. Cleveland OH 44106 216-707-2617
BJ 5/20/11
Hi Philip, Be cautious of the silicon because it can leach oils.
Best, BJ
Philip Brutz 5/20/11
Thank you for the warning. We have been using the FDA compliant for food contact silicone but I guess it can still affect the artwork. Is any of it safe?
Philip Brutz Mountmaker Cleveland Museum of Art 11150 East Blvd. Cleveland OH 44106 216-707-2617
BJ 5/20/11
We've done some basic tests with silicon samples clamped to unglazed terracotta saucers (used for garden pots). You should be able to see if your material leaches.