I shellcked the only shell in y collection. What's wrong with that?
Hank
-----Original Message-----
From: Andrew K. Rindsberg <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, October 27, 2000 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: Removing Varnish


>Simon Taylor writes,
>"I recently bought an old collection and many of the shells were varnished.
>I have tried any number of ways to take it off and have met with limited
>success. Proprietary varnish remover (intended for furniture, etc) will get
>it off but goes very gloopy, especially when you wash it off. This is a
>nightmare with shells which have detailed sculpture and/or fine spines."
>
>It never ceases to amaze me what people will put on their shells. Rixon's
>"Fossil Animal Remains" contains many tests for such chemicals and advice
on
>how to remove them. Most shells need no special chemical treatments, much
>less varnish, nail polish, shellac, ... but I can't go on. I have to save
my
>strength to deal with a small horde of visiting 10- and 11-year-olds in a
>few minutes. Simon, you have my sympathy.
>
>Andrew K. Rindsberg
>Geological Survey of Alabama