preserving fossils in coal.

[Mctapmonkey]

Hello,

On a recent holiday to Kent I picked up some carboniferous plant fossils from a disused coal pit.

Being in coal however they are rather crumbly and will not survive in their present state.

Are there any methods for treatment suitable for a lightweight beginner to stabilise fossils in coal that I could use to prevent deterioration?

[JohnBrewer]

I’d suggest a weak solution of Paraloid. You should be able to find it on a popular auction site. If not drop me a pm as you’re in the U.K.  

[Ptychodus04]

I agree with @JohnBrewer. You want to use a very thin solution of Paraloid in acetone. Submerge the entire piece if possible.

[Mctapmonkey]

Thank you both,

Paraloid is now on order from a popular auction site, I may experiment on smaller fragments from the same location first.

[Sjfriend]

I've used Vinac on a coal piece from here in Alaska with good results so don't see a Paraloid issue myself (not a pro by any means )