Problems encountered in the consolidation of paint on ethnographic wood objects are reviewed, based upon the literature and surveys of North American ethnographic conservators. Significant consolidation may require a large quantity of resin, which will affect the appearance of the paint. Changes in appearance may be minimized by selecting either particular application procedures or resins that are effective in lower concentrations. The solution properties (volatility, viscosity, surface tension) may be as important as, or more important than, the physical properties of the dried resin. As removal of a resin used to consolidate a fragile deteriorated paint is unlikely, the aging characteristics are of primary importance in the choice of a resin. Insoluble thermosetting resins (diisocyanates, epoxies) are considered due to their high strength in low concentrations, compared to thermoplastic resins.