yetiabitibi
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 25
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Post by yetiabitibi on Feb 19, 2016 9:31:09 GMT -5
I've got a bunch of specimens of fossilized plants and are really quite nice, a mix of gray clay, red ocher, malachite and charcoal, but I can't do anything with them because they are way too fragile.
The matrix is like lightly compressed sand stone and if very easily rubbed away. This was probable caused by the environment in which we found them, a seaside cliff and the loose nature of the stone.
I'm looking for a way to stabilized the surface of the specimens to prevent the matrix from being rubbed away by the slightest touch. I realize that just about anything I do will alter the color of the specimens, but I'd rather have darker colors the useless specimens.
I've heard of using acrylic clear coats, but I really need something that will impregnate into the specimen at least a little bit.
Thanks for any help.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 19, 2016 10:32:26 GMT -5
I have used polyurethane on a few of my fossils-for display only....
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yetiabitibi
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 25
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Post by yetiabitibi on Feb 19, 2016 18:25:15 GMT -5
Do you have a particular brand that you use? Doesn't it yellow over time?
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Post by Rockoonz on Feb 19, 2016 18:53:32 GMT -5
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victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,979
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Post by victor1941 on Feb 19, 2016 22:06:09 GMT -5
I stabilize material by a method that I found on mindat.org. The method is called "Methods to Stabilize Material for Cutting" by Jamey Swisher that was last updated on March 30th 2011. I use this method to stabilize crumbly material for cutting but it is simple and might work for you. Acetone, Epoxy 330 and a proper container and time(patience). I would try this and then spray with clear UV resistant polyurethane.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Feb 20, 2016 0:54:31 GMT -5
A friend of ours uses 50-50 Elmers glue and water, easy, cheap, and looks good.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,685
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 20, 2016 10:25:44 GMT -5
Do you have a particular brand that you use? Doesn't it yellow over time? Haven't had and problem with yellowing...I usually use the top two brands that our local hardware store sells... I have heard of the 50/50 glue method too....
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yetiabitibi
starting to shine!
Member since February 2016
Posts: 25
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Post by yetiabitibi on Feb 20, 2016 15:39:42 GMT -5
Thanks for all the replies. I've got a few good leads that might work for me.
When I manage to get things stabilized, I'll try an post picture.
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