New finds to add to the collection. But how to make them presentable?

[Brillweb101]

So I went out for fossil hunt again today and since I all to often I am so unsure about what to even look for i thought id concentrate on belemnites in the rock pools haha. These belemnites are easily recognised but loose the beautiful colours when they dry.

So my question is what can I do with them to shine them up a little and make them ready to impress.

Also 65million year old squid? Amassed me but then I'm a brand new to this

[Auspex]

...So my question is what can I do with them to shine them up a little and make them ready to impress...

Maybe beeswax polish would do?

[Ptychodus04]

I have wet sanded then polished belemnites with glorious results. I start with 300 grit. Then, move 500 grit. Polish with jewelers' rouge.

[Darktooth]

Look exactly like the ones from New Jersey. Nice!

[Brillweb101]

Maybe beeswax polish would do?

I'll have to give it a try.

But is it OK to just rub them with wet sand paper (very fine of course)

Many seem to be covered in unsightly imperfections that have probably been caused by the rough life being bashed about by the tide. I was wondering about cutting some of the smaller ones in half to display the inards. I thought I'd seek expert advice before I'd start ruining things with my Mimi disc cutter.

[Brillweb101]

I have wet sanded then polished belemnites with glorious results. I start with 300 grit. Then, move 500 grit. Polish with jewelers' rouge.

Thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye out for some much finer sandpaper

I'll upload any decent results

[Ptychodus04]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye out for some much finer sandpaper

I'll upload any decent results

Oh, and the polishing was done with a wheel on a bench grinder. Your sandpaper has to be very fine or all you will do is add a bunch of ugly scratches.

[Brillweb101]

I went to the shop today and got myself some 800 and 1200 grit wet and dry paper. Its showing some pretty nice results but very slowly. I'm doing it completely by hand.. Should make it all the more satisfying to see the result.

I will upload some results soon. ☺

[Ptychodus04]

I went to the shop today and got myself some 800 and 1200 grit wet and dry paper. Its showing some pretty nice results but very slowly. I'm doing it completely by hand.. Should make it all the more satisfying to see the result.

I will upload some results soon. ☺

It will take a while but will look great when you're finished.

[JohnBrewer]

This stuff http://www.conservation-resources.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=599 is good. I use it on my artwork. It archival and really easy to apply and polish up.

[amour 25]

This stuff http://www.conservation-resources.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=599 is good. I use it on my artwork. It archival and really easy to apply and polish up.

That is a great wax use on pens I turn, sold at Woodcraft and I think Rockler sells it also.