sdsnl Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 I recently found a big clam with matrix in it. When I was cleaning it, the matrix came off together making a nice mold. However, it is very soft and I'm afraid it would fall apart into dust after some handling. Is there a kind of glue I can use to harden it? Thank you very much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darktooth Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 Ther are a lot of different optios and opinions out there what most collectors in my neck of the woods use a 50/50 mixture of elmers glue and water. With the a proper mixture it will dry clear. I like Trilo-butts and I cannot lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLB Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 paleo bond makes a stabilizer glue that would work great for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted May 20, 2016 Share Posted May 20, 2016 If I were to reach into my chemical cabinet I'd probably go with 5% Paraloid/10% acetone/85% ethanol. I only add the acetone to help the dissolution of the Paraloid. 1 John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdsnl Posted May 21, 2016 Author Share Posted May 21, 2016 Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted May 21, 2016 Share Posted May 21, 2016 I forgot to say why I would use ethanol as the main solvent over acetone. This is because it evaporates more slowly and you have a lower chance of skinning over. I would use a high % Paraloid with acetone as an adhesive. 1 John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdsnl Posted May 25, 2016 Author Share Posted May 25, 2016 I forgot to say why I would use ethanol as the main solvent over acetone. This is because it evaporates more slowly and you have a lower chance of skinning over. I would use a high % Paraloid with acetone as an adhesive. What is skinning over? Is it better to let it dry slowly? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 What is skinning over? Is it better to let it dry slowly? You want it to soak, in, not dry on/near the surface. 1 "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdsnl Posted May 25, 2016 Author Share Posted May 25, 2016 You want it to soak, in, not dry on/near the surface. I see, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 What is skinning over? Is it better to let it dry slowly? Acetone is very volatile and will evaporate quickly, ethanol less so. So as Auspex says John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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