A method has been developed for the adhesion of flaking paint on ethnographic artifacts using water-based adhesives. These have a distinct advantage over solvent-based resins in that they cause much less darkening of paint, particularly when used with matt, porous paint typical of Oceanic painted artifacts. Since the formulation of many water-based resins, particularly emulsions and dispersions, is more complex and potentially less stable than pure resins, thorough testing is needed before resins can be selected and used with confidence. Testing and evaluation procedures have been designed to predict the performance, appearance, and aging characteristics of resins being considered for the adhesion of flaking paint. Both quantitative and subjective evaluation procedures are used. Where possible, resins are evaluated in combination with painted wood facsimiles of artifacts, rather than in isolation, to enable the assessment to be made under conditions that relate more directly to the way resins are actually used in conservation. Resin application, sample preparation, and accelerated aging techniques are described, as well as progress on tests to be used to assess appearance, pH, flexibility, adhesion, stability, and the effect of temperature on the performance of resin. -- AATA