I am currently involved in a nightmarish restoration due to the fact
that the "technician" before me used gasket material that was too hard
and the wrong side out.  In an attempt to compensate by sealing the
chests he liberally smothered the wood in liquid silicone goop, the
kind that is used in showers and sinks, etc.

Rather than spending countless hours scrubbing and trying to remove it,
I found out about the product made by 3M: "General Purpose Adhesive
Cleanser".  Small amounts are dabbed on, and then a Scotch-Brite pad
may be used to roll the silicone right off of the wood. I suggest using
it in a well ventilated area and with a vapor mask.

Happy Cleansing,

Stephen Kent Goodman