Preparation

Cleaning and Preparation of Fossils
· The Tools used differ depending on the hardness of the material. · Water and an old toothbrush will clean off most of the softer sediment. · The harder limestone, I soak in vinegar and water for a few nights, this softens the matrix enough to remove with hand tools. · Ultra-sonic cleaning devices can also be of assistance especially in cleaning microfossil specimens. · Dental Tools are very helpful as well as a Dremel Rotary Tool · Safety Glasses and Dust - Mask are necessary when using Rotary Tools. · It is important to have a work space with good lighting and ventilation. · Let the outline of the Fossil guide you with what ever tool you are using. · This can be difficult if the matrix is the same color as the Fossil. · The most common mistake is to remove parts of the Fossil, but by going slowly and with practice, you will be a pro in no time. · Soda Blasters are used by many prep labs - If you have access to one, it is simple to use and can bring out lots of fine details in your Fossils. · Always be Patient and Careful with Specimens. · When gluing pieces together, always clean all pieces before gluing. Especially clean the surfaces to be glued to get a good fit. Super Glue works well as a Fossil glue. It is best to use Toothbrushes, Small Picks, Scalpels, etc. · I would like to thank all the PAST members for their tips on fossil preparation. Please keep those great ideas coming in to us.

Cleaning and Preparation of Fossils

· The Tools used differ depending on the hardness of the material.
· Water and an old toothbrush will clean off most of the softer sediment.
· The harder limestone, I soak in vinegar and water for a few nights, this softens
   the matrix enough to remove with hand tools.
· Ultra-sonic cleaning devices can also be of assistance especially in cleaning
   microfossil specimens.
· Dental Tools are very helpful as well as a Dremel Rotary Tool
· Safety Glasses and Dust - Mask are necessary when using Rotary Tools.
· It is important to have a work space with good lighting and ventilation.
· Let the outline of the Fossil guide you with what ever tool you are using.
· This can be difficult if the matrix is the same color as the Fossil.
· The most common mistake is to remove parts of the Fossil, but by going slowly
   and with practice, you will be a pro in no time.
· Soda Blasters are used by many prep labs - If you have access to one, it is
   simple to use and can bring out lots of fine details in your Fossils.
· Always be Patient and Careful with Specimens.
· When gluing pieces together, always clean all pieces before gluing.
   Especially clean the surfaces to be glued to get a good fit.
   Super Glue works well as a Fossil glue.
   It is best to use Toothbrushes, Small Picks, Scalpels, etc.
· I would like to thank all the PAST members for their tips on fossil preparation.
   Please keep those great ideas coming in to us.