New Members Tonyvit Posted February 2, 2015 New Members Share Posted February 2, 2015 Anyone know of any tried and true methods of enhancing some Grallator footprints? I have a 20" slab with several decent casts, but there is almost no contrast between the matrix and the prints. I am finally getting it ready for display...but it needs help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missourian Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Very low angle lighting should help to bring out subtle relief. Otherwise, I wouldn't enhance them in any way. 1 Context is critical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiggieCie Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I would try dusting the print with a slightly contrasting material. Something temporary that could be blown or dusted out if not liked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TyrannosaurusRex Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Please do not put any permanent enhancement on it. It can cause mold and fungus on it and completely destroy the track. I have seen it happen before and its not pretty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeepTimeIsotopes Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Very low angle lighting should help to bring out subtle relief. Otherwise, I wouldn't enhance them in any way. I second this. Each dot is 50,000,000 years: Hadean............Archean..............................Proterozoic.......................................Phanerozoic........... Paleo......Meso....Ceno.. Ꞓ.OSD.C.P.Tr.J.K..Pg.NgQ< You are here Doesn't time just fly by? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Members Tonyvit Posted February 3, 2015 Author New Members Share Posted February 3, 2015 I read on some museum site that slate dressing is often used. It appears that "slate dressing' is some sort of oil based solution that will give that wet look without obscuring any details. I understand the purist point of view, but even in low lighting they are difficult to see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it is easily reversible. Chalk outlines can work, or dextrin mixed with water and painted on the fossil. Or a 50/50 mix of elmers and water, but that can yellow over time. I knew one guy who used melted butter to make the contrast, just for photographs. Good luck with whatever you choose. Regards, 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooth_claw Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Perhaps a photo that can be digitally enhanced to be displayed next to your slab (like a small 'map')? Otherwise, low angled light is the preferred method. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I have a slab of large bird tracks from the Hell Creek Fm. that has had a removable coloration applied. The contrast makes them more displayable, but I still don't like the look much. These tracks, though, have good relief (as do the ripple marks and vine impressions on the plate), so some day I will remove the coloration and display it with oblique lighting. I wonder whether, in your case, outlining the tracks with something reversible (or even coloring the background, rather than the tracks) might not do the trick? "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...
jpc Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another vote for low angle lighting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 At times in the past, I have used local application of muriatic acid to etch the matrix around prints. This provides some contrast as it will lighten the surrounding matrix without touching the prints. Apply small amounts with a tooth brush, let stand for a few seconds, and rinse off. Don't do this inside! And remember, with acids, less is more. 1 Regards, Kris Global Paleo Services, LLC https://globalpaleoservices.com http://instagram.com/globalpaleoservices http://instagram.com/kris.howe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fossilized6s Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I use egg whites on my fossils that need a bit of contrast. It's 100% washable and it will not hurt anything. But in this application i would lean more towards lighting, or both... ~Charlie~ "There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why.....i dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ~RFK ->Get your Mosasaur print ->How to spot a fake Trilobite ->How to identify a CONCRETION from a DINOSAUR EGG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xiphactinus Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 You might also try Future floor polish thinned with water. Again, it's something that can be washed away later and is not permanent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpc Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I use egg whites on my fossils that need a bit of contrast. It's 100% washable and it will not hurt anything. But in this application i would lean more towards lighting, or both... Yikes! That sounds like an invitation to things like cockroaches and mold and godknowswhat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fossilized6s Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Hahaha, not yet...... I was suggested this by a well known collector and friend. Obviously don't use in large quantities. This application is basically for smaller specimens. Just don't lick it..... ~Charlie~ "There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why.....i dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ~RFK ->Get your Mosasaur print ->How to spot a fake Trilobite ->How to identify a CONCRETION from a DINOSAUR EGG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sseth Posted February 5, 2015 Share Posted February 5, 2015 I also agree that lighting is best, but chalk outlines and the likes are also good options for highlighting, while leaving the original track untouched. _____________________________________ Seth www.fossilshack.com www.americanfossil.com www.fishdig.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prem Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 another vote for angled lighting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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