Remove lacquer from ammonite?

[Mochaccino]

Hello,

 

I'm considering picking up this section of Didymoceras cheyennense (I believe living chamber) from the Pierre shale of Pennington county, South Dakota, USA. However I found out that a lacquer layer has been applied to it to accentuate the iridescence. Is this something that can be removed without damaging the ammonite? And would I use something like acetone to remove it?

 

 

 Thank you.

[Kane]

I would see if acetone might work. Try a small, inconspicuous spot first to see if it does the trick.

[Mochaccino]

47 minutes ago, Kane said:

I would see if acetone might work. Try a small, inconspicuous spot first to see if it does the trick.

 

Thank you! But is there a risk that the lacquer is not removeable or would cause damage? If it's risky I might pass.

Edited August 19, 2022 by Mochaccino

[RJB]

Lacquer is an oil based product and did nothing to enhance the color.  In fact it very well may have reduced what color it had.  Acetone will easily cut the lacquer and should not damage the piece of ammo in anyway unless it is fragile.

 

RB

[Ptychodus04]

It looks pretty stable so, the acetone shouldn’t be an issue. Just submerge it and let it sit for a few hours. You should be good to go after that.

[Mochaccino]

8 hours ago, RJB said:

Lacquer is an oil based product and did nothing to enhance the color.  In fact it very well may have reduced what color it had.  Acetone will easily cut the lacquer and should not damage the piece of ammo in anyway unless it is fragile.

 

RB

 

6 hours ago, Ptychodus04 said:

It looks pretty stable so, the acetone shouldn’t be an issue. Just submerge it and let it sit for a few hours. You should be good to go after that.

 

I see, gotcha! So it looks like it'll be fine to try remove after all. Thank you all!