Place the fossil teeth in the container and make sure they are completely submerged in the resin. Gather the necessary materials. Let the oil soak in for several minutes, then buff the surface with a clean cloth to remove any excess. Mark the storage container with a list of the fossils inside, along with their location and dates of excavation. Use a consolidant - This is a chemical solution that can be applied to the sandstone. Dispose of any remaining debris in accordance with local regulations. The fossil should then be placed in an airtight container such as a sealed plastic bag or container. If scrubbing does not remove matrix, set the specimen aside for mechanical preparation. Some shales or weakly cemented sandstones may be so fragile that they cannot be removed without disintegrating. To further clean your fossilized specimen, use a Q-tip or small paintbrush to get into the detail of the fossil and remove any remaining dirt or debris. Finally, carefully rinse the sample with distilled water to remove any remaining contaminants. Pour about 2 cups of white vinegar into a bowl and place the fossil inside if you are working with a fossil that requires a lot of cleaning due to excess debris or build-up. Apply a few drops of mineral oil to a clean cloth and gently rub the fossil. 1- Sock them in diluted acidic acid for overnight followed by gently washing them with distilled water (while pouring out the water maximum care must be taken and if possible use sieve to keep. Rinse them off with clean water and pat them dry. Sometimes soaking soft shale in water, or water plus detergent, will loosen the fossils, or even make the shale disintegrate without harming the fossils. You can make a hardener from the following ingredients: Instead of the above recipe, you can dissolve fresh Duco cement in a few spoonfuls of toluene or acetone for small jobs. Turn the tumbler on again and allow it to run for several hours. The Wheeler Shale contains interbeds of shaley limestone, mudstone, and thin platy limestone. The deal, expected to close in the second quarter . When cleaning crinoids- ya gotta know what kinda rock is clinging to them- depends on the rock type you findem in around here it iseasily found in shale i usually rtry to clip off- the best i can with toe nail clippers - be careful- then i will use a pretty dilute HCL solution between .1 and .25 dilute-use a "soft wire brush" maybe nylon brush . Dab the stain gently with this solution, again using the soft cloth and toothbrush if necessary. Rinse the specimen in clean water and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding. But the evidence still isn't clear. When the specimen is cleaned, an allover brushing with the hardener will protect the surface and waterproof the specimen. This step may be repeated if the stain appears to be going away and the color of the laminate has not been affected. A cigar box is excellent for this purpose. Rinse the fossil nodule with fresh water and let it dry. This is especially true of delicate fossils in a soft shale matrix. I personally don't do anything to mine I like them natural. The pieces should be dried in a well-ventilated area; they will dry in a few minutes. Next you may wish to remove some of the excess rock or matrix surrounding the fossil. Soak the sand dollars in the mixture for 20-30 minutes, or longer if necessary. The sediments are deposited in very fine layers, a dark . Biological activity - Fossils can also be destroyed by biological activity, such as scavenging animals, decaying bacteria, and algae. You may want to leave some matrix material to support the fossil for display. Place the sand dollars in the solution and allow them to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Hardened mud becomes difficult to loosen, and the shrinkage during, How to wrap a fossil concretion in the field to preserve its fine detail. Rinse the shells with warm, soapy water and let them air dry for a few hours before displaying in your home. Gather the necessary materials: a soft bristled brush, a plastic container, a damp cloth or sponge, white vinegar, and a airtight container with a lid. but will also coat the fossil unless the block is hardened by immersing only the backside. How To Clean Fossils In Shale? How do you clean fossil rocks? Avoid direct sunlight on fossils that have been buried for millennia in the dark earth. The one exception Ive read about is fossils collected from petroleum-rich shale or soil. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently clean the fern. Rinse the ammonite in lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Carefully remove the sediment and dirt encasing the fossil. Purists will balk at any type of preservative coating. What once was a fish skeleton disappears with the drying wind. Start by gently brushing away dirt, dust, and debris with a soft-bristled brush. Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity levels, as these can cause additional damage. This can be done by documenting photos and/or detailed sketches of the specimen and its environment. Ensure proper safety equipment such as hard hats, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing are worn when collecting in the field. You can then share the link with your intended audience. Once the fossil is out of the sediment, it should be covered with a damp cloth. how to clean fossils in shale. Clean the fossil with a very mild acid, like 10% hydrochloric acid or a light vinegar solution. High in the mountains of Yoho and Kootenay National Park, the Burgess Shale fossils are the oldest evidence of complex life on Earth. But for single specimens that are larger or spaced apart, there are a number steps that can be taken to reveal hidden details and prepare them for display. Remove the sand dollars from the solution and rinse them with cold water. This can help preserve the fossil and enhance the beauty of the details. If you wish, you can add a label to the display to identify the species of trilobite. For a fossil pit, bring a bucket of water or a spray bottle, as well as a toothbrush, to clean up the fossils you find. Place it in a bowl and cover it with white vinegar. Next, place the rocks on a hard surface, such as a concrete patio, and rub the surface with sandpaper in a circular motion. Rub the cloth with the polishing compound in a circular motion over the surface of the fossil nodule. Finally, apply a protective sealant to the rocks to help them retain their shine and keep dirt and debris from sticking to them. This is the most tedious part of fossil collecting. You can also create a virtual slideshow using photographs, music, or even a voice-over. By After the fossil is dry, seal it with a clear, water-resistant sealant to protect it. Matrix specimens can be wrapped loosely in newspaper taped shut at the ends. Store the bones in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight. These types of tools are featured in YouTube fossil prep videos and its easy to see why theyre highly recommended. Once all visible dirt has been removed, rinse the fossil with clean water to make sure that no dirt remains. This may be all the preparation that some fossils will need. These fossils may be oil-stained, and a weak bleach or gasoline solution may be the answer to removing those petroleum stains. These mudpacks should be removed as soon as possible, before they dry out. In 2016, the Stark County park system assumed responsibility for the operations of the . Allow it to soak for a few hours, then gently scrub the surface with a soft brush. Fill a large bowl with a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water. Apply a small amount of gold polishing compound to your clean cloth. Place the bones in a large bowl and cover them with a 10% bleach solution. the bottom tray are bent in. Attach a sanding bit to your Dremel tool. Finally, if desired, you can use a dry cloth to apply a small amount of mineral oil to the fossilized specimen. Brachiopods invariably have matrix wedged in the hinge line. Use a very fine sandpaper (800-grit or higher) to remove any stubborn dirt or debris from the fossil. In recent years, the proportion of shale oil and gas has increased significantly in fossil fuels, and shale formations account for approximately 32% of the total natural gas resources in the world (Bruijnincx and Weckhuysen, 2013, Mohr et al., 2015).Shale gas, a clean fuel compared to coal and oil, has attracted the attention of governments around the world (Chu and Majumdar . Or colors can be matched with a mixture of cement pigment added to the Plaster of Paris, water putty, or epoxy. Store your fossil in a dry, dark place to help preserve it. The preserve features spring wildflowers, mature trees, warblers, a variety of ferns, and one of the largest populations in Ohio for the state endangered golden-star (Erythronium rostratum).. Facilities include parking lot, trailhead signs and over 2 miles of . This can be a presentation software such as PowerPoint, or a video creator like Adobe Spark or Vyond. If the fossil is still relatively dirty, you may need to use a solvent such as acetone or rubbing alcohol. Soak the ammonite fossil in a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for 10 minutes. After several hours or overnight, remove the ammonite from the baking soda and rinse it with warm water. Each person in the collecting party should have a prospector's pick, a flat chisel, and a square-pointed chisel; and the party should share sledges, crowbars, and shovels. The latter fossils are more valuable because their source is precisely known. Store the fossil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prepare the tooth: Use a dental tool to lightly remove any sediment or dirt from the tooth. Final touches: Before you share your presentation, edit the audio and video tracks to ensure the quality of your presentation. Begin sanding the petrified wood in a circular motion, working your way up from a low grit sand paper to a finer grit. A faster way is to layer fragile specimens in a sturdy box or can, separating the layers with sawdust. Putty knives or old table knives are useful for splitting shale, and an old toothbrush will be useful for scrubbing dirty fossils in the nearest puddle or stream. Specimens taken from rock layers that are obviously different should be kept separate and should be labeled separately. If the fossils have deep nooks and crannies, grains of the wood have an annoying tendency to lodge there, but they can be picked out. If necessary, touch up any cracks in the fossil with a little super glue. Rinse the rocks thoroughly in lukewarm water and dry them with a clean cloth. Carefully wipe the fossil with the cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Remove the stones from the tumbler and rinse them off with hot, soapy water. The hardness of the matrix and the type of fossil determine how much matrix should be removed. Heliobatis radians (stingray), Green River Formation, Fossil Butte National Monument. Do not pour the dirty gasoline down a sewer: the fumes are explosive. Sign up for a new account in our community. The mudball can then be wrapped in paper and tossed in with the sturdier fossils. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Soak the fish skeleton in a weak solution of bleach and water for 24 hours to remove all of the flesh. For some specimens a weaker solution may be a better choice. This will make it easier to track the fossils and maintain their provenance. Stained specimens can sometimes be cleaned by soaking them in a sodium hypochlorite solution (such as Clorox) overnight. If necessary, use a degreasing cleaner to remove any stubborn dirt or grime. Before adding any coating, make sure your fossil has had time to dry completely. Big Green is Big Business--especially in Pennsylvania, where leftist groups routinely file a blizzard of lawsuits against the shale industry. It's much faster! Boil the shells in a mixture of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 2 cups of water. Clean off visible debris and dirt from the ammonite fossil with a soft brush or cloth. Place the shells in the sun to dry completely. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Begin by gently scraping away the dirt and debris from the surface of the ammonite with a soft-bristled brush. For fossils to form, the parts of a dead animal or plant must have time to absorb the minerals that replace the bone, feathers, teeth, shells, leaves, stems, and other structures to become rock. Camera I use Canon T6i https://amzn.to/2IAfM0k 336K views 4 years ago 5K views 1 year ago How to Make. Use a soft brush to brush away any remaining particles. The acidity of the vinegar will help dissolve excess particles, revealing the tiny crevices of the fossil. Choose a medium: Decide the platform you wish to use for your presentation. [Shark Teeth Hunting Tools], Where to Find Oregon Agates (Tips and Locations), Rockhounding In New Mexico! But to be honest with you, I have found most of my trilobites in hash plates this way. Once the fossil is clean and polished, it may be lightly sealed with a acrylic spray varnish. Rinse the fossil thoroughly and let it air dry. Share your presentation: Once you are ready, upload your presentation to a platform of your choice. The plastic tubing can direct the steam to the bond which is to be reversed. The mixture can be brushed on, or the piece of shale can be immersed in the liquid for several seconds. Scrub the Stones: Use the soft brush to scrub the stones in the soapy solution. Over time, compressed sandstone and limestone become shale. Use an air compressor to blow away the remaining particles. 1. "At Eighteen Mile Creek, the Tichenor Limestone is a . But, I don't usually want to wait that long so I go after it with my Aro. Fast-drying household cements (such as Duco) are suitable for repairing broken fossils. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender. INEOS Energy has agreed to acquire a portion of Chesapeake Energy's oil and gas assets in the Eagle Ford shale, south Texas for $1.4 billion. Clean the rocks with a stiff brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse Stones Again: Rinse off the stones thoroughly with water to remove any remaining dirt. Soak the fossil in a shallow container of warm, soapy water for several minutes. Do not rub or scrub too hard, as this may cause damage to the fossil's delicate surfaces. May take a little scrubbing but the bath in that will soften it up. Polish the surface: Use a series of progressively finer grit sandpaper to polish the surface. Nylon is softer than the calcite substance of fossils and softer than the matrix, too. Awards: Posted February 1, 2016 If you think the result is too shiny and the fossil will stand up to it, you can wipe it down with a cloth soaked in fingernail polish (acetone). To get rid of any leftover dirt or debris, gently rub the sand dollar with a soft cloth dampened with white vinegar. When the plaster has dried, apply a thin layer of mud or clay over the fossil. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Use a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the bones. Turn on the tumbler and let it run for several hours. Carefully remove the sand dollars from the solution and rinse them off with cool, clean fresh water. The mixture is stored in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, since the fumes are irritating and inflammable. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the vinegar until the bristles are completely saturated. You'll need a soft toothbrush, a polishing cloth, toothpaste (not gel), and the rocks you want to polish. Soak them for 30 minutes. rinse briefly under water, dry and repeat, over and over and over. Mix the resin according to the manufacturers instructions and pour it into containers. Book excerpt: Fossils of the Burgess Shale Related Books. Collect the fossil in the sand. He will also need a knapsack, a collecting bag, or an apron with pockets where he can stow away wrapped specimens. Place the fossil in a sealed plastic container such as a Ziploc bag. A toothbrush or similar brush can be used to get into hard-to-reach crevices. Trim the matrix: Use the rock saw to trim the edges of the matrix to the desired shape. Secure the tooth: Position the tooth in the matrix and secure with a two part epoxy. Gently brush away any loose dirt or debris that is on the surface of the fossil. Some soft rocks or porous materials such as clay, gypsum, or concrete work best. Use a chisel and hammer to chip away any additional dirt and debris still on the fossil. You can use either a heavy stone such as marble, sandstone or limestone, or a lighter stone such as slate or shale. An old toothbrush is a great tool for removing dirt and other debris. Sometimes soaking for several days in water will soften matrix. Place the fossil on a paper towel or rag and rub the bristles of the toothbrush over the fossil. Some fossils, particularly carbonized plant fossils and some Eocene fossil fish of Wyoming, are beautiful when first removed from their stony graves, but as they dry the carbon particles flake off and blow away. Avoid brushing too hard so as to not damage the fossil. Should you Rinse the shell with clean water to remove any remaining soap. Clean the purse with a damp cloth. Investment is pouring into the industry as companies and governments alike push to produce a clean fuel that can be used in a multitude of ways, from heating to . RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. Trying to release the fossils from the matrix may cause more damage than reveal treasures. With proper care, your bones can be stored for many years. Looking at relative electric prices vs renewable penetration among various state is instructive. Crinoids have thousands of feathery arms to prepare. (Drawing courtesy Illinois Geological Survey). A used toothbrush works well. This will help to prevent any insect pests from coming in contact with the fossil. Take notes and compile relevant images, videos, and diagrams to use as visual aids. If the mixture contains too much plastic, the fossil will become shiny, particularly if the fossil itself is composed of smooth, nonabsorbent, chiti-nous material, as trilobites or cephalopods are. Pat the fossil dry with a clean, soft cloth. Let it soak for several hours or overnight. Rinse the skeleton under cool running water again and dry it with a paper towel or soft cloth. Hard fossils are durable specimens that are not on a matrix of soft shale or sandstone that is likely to disintegrate when wet, or are not thin delicate films that might loosen in water. Snail openings are obscured with rock. Rinse the fossil slab with clean, clear water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Blot away any moisture in the centre with a soft, lint-free cloth. Apply linseed oil, tung oil, or mineral spirits to the wood surface, working the oil into all areas with a soft cloth. Anyone can read what you share. Mix a small amount of vegetable oil and paint thinner in a bowl and dip a soft cloth in the solution. Avoid plastic-handled brushes, such as toothbrushes; they soften in gasoline. To remove any dirt or debris from the shells, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub them. Rinse the rocks with a garden hose and allow them to dry before placing them back in their original spot. Make sure it's completely sealed around the edges of the fossil with no cracks or crevices where moisture can seep in. Place the fossil on a surface that wont scratch or damage it. The shale will absorb water and either explode or disintegrate, often taking the fossils with it. Labels should record the general geographical position of the dig, the assumed geological age of the rock matrix, and the name of the formation and associated formations. With shale sites, bring safety glasses and gloves, as well as a hammer and chisel if the site doesn't offer them. On the other hand,NOxis the most significant pollutant emitted in fossil gas electricity generation. Dry: Lay the rocks out on a towel and allow them to air dry. Some of these developments make headlines, while others go unnoticed - though Concretionary fossils, such as ammonites, bones, crabs, and fern fossils, break to a clean surface and often need no further preparation than washing or brushing to remove dust. Acetone (nail polish remover) dries much quicker, and thus works better in that respect. The oil helps to restore the natural luster and shine to the fossil. Turn the tumbler on one last time and allow it to run for several hours. Museums hire full-time preparators to remove the adhering matrix painstakingly by hand or with machinery. To ensure all of the matrix is removed, use a small brush and a dental pick to carefully remove any remaining debris. But many professional paleontologists do use them in order to present a more appealing and durable display. Most fossils are sea shells in limestone, and they are not easy to prepare. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the ammonite gently to remove any remaining dirt and debris. It may take a day or so for the flakes to dissolve. Apply a coat of mineral oil or beeswax to the petrified wood to protect it from damage. The fossil teeth should be firmly embedded in the resin and easy to handle. Label the fossils with their source and any other relevant information. Dry for 5-10 minutes in a well-ventilated area. Place the turtle shell into the soapy water and gently scrub away any dirt or debris with a soft sponge. Soak the ammonite in a bowl of lukewarm water and a small amount of mild dish soap for several minutes. Without such a record of the location, a fossil loses most of its cash value and all of its value to science. Before attempting to preserve a fossil, it is important to document its location, carefully removing all surrounding sediment. For the most part fossils don't need coating, unless they're going to be handled repeatedly by children and don't need prepping unless there are parts of the fossil (s) that are covered by matrix, but I don't see anything like that here. The time and tools required depends on the type and size of fossil and the surrounding matrix. Look closely at your fossil and try to work out which one of these classifications fits best. Put on protective gloves and safety glasses before handling a fossil. Use a soft bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to gently scrub the fossil bones. Place the fossil in a tray with a small amount of water and a few drops of mild liquid detergent. Gather Supplies: Gather cleaning supplies such as dish soap, warm water, a soft brush, and a bucket. Dip a soft cloth in a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, wring out the cloth, and use it to wipe down the entire purse, including the key. So, as we discuss clean fuels and our clean fuel future, it is a bit bittersweet. Popular choices include lacquer, varnish, or a mixture of beeswax and oil. Finish sanding with a felt polishing wheel to bring out the shine in the petrified wood. This is because they are already in locations where sediment is likely to bury them and shelter them from scavengers and decay. This will help protect the fossil from further damage. Harden the epoxy: Allow the epoxy to cure according to the manufacturer's directions. Without proper tools, the collector will be unable to remove fossils in an undamaged condition. An emergency method that works well if conditions are favorable is to enclose a fragile fossil in a gob of wet clay or mud. Sometimes it is possible to describe the formation by measuring its vertical distance from level ground or a distinctive rock layer. See also what is revolution of the earth. Make sure the storage container is well-ventilated to prevent moisture build-up. Drying the sandstone will help to reduce the amount of water it contains, which will help to strengthen the material and preserve the fossils within it. Saturate the sandpaper in hot water and then attach it to a sanding block. Some specimens will need nothing more than to be soaked in warm water with a dash of detergent, followed by a scrubbing with an old toothbrush and a rinse of clear water. Allow the bones to air-dry completely before storing them. If the ammonite fossil has a lot of cracks or erosion, you may want to consider sealing the fossil with a wax or oil to protect it. Scrub the shells with an old toothbrush to remove dirt and debris. Provide adequate training in the safe handling of artifacts, specimens, and historical documents. Use a figure-8 motion with the fossil across the paper to even the surface out. If they do, some mud still remains and the soaking/sieving procedure should be repeated. Rinse with clean, warm water to remove any soap residue. The rock can take anything from a few days to many months to dissolve completely, depending on its specific composition. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Some carbonized fossils, such as plants and fish, must be sprayed to keep the fossils on the matrix, or they will crumble to dust after a few miles of traveling. Generally, shale occurs in thin layers or beds and represent low-energy environments such as: offshore deposits of mud in ancient seas, in . Rinse the rock with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. Start by gently dabbing the stained fossil with a damp cloth and an appropriate cleaning solution. Allow the specimens to air for a day or two before bringing them inside. A fossil found in several broken pieces can be reassembled roughly in a small square of aluminum foil. Remove the shells from the bowl and scrub them gently with a soft brush to remove any dirt, debris or barnacles. Once dry, coat the fossil with a layer of clear acrylic spray sealant or varnish to protect it from dust and dirt. There are also some who would not recommend any repair work be done to a natural specimen. The glue will fill each crack. Place the fossil in a secure place, such as a safe or display case. Use sandpaper to remove any uneven areas, scratches, or blemishes. Fugitive emissions and leaks from BC's shale gas production . Use a soft brush and a small trowel to carefully uncover the fossil. The Burgess Shale fossils provide the link between modern day species and those from over 500 . As states like Minnesota commit to 100% carbon-free electric power, Montana is opting to double down on coal. If you have found a cluster of shells in a very hard matrix, the best course of action may very well be to leave it as it is. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a bowl or cup. (Complete Guide), The Uncle Sam Diamond: Unveiled After 40 Years (The Story Behind This Record Setting Diamond), One-of-a-Kind Discovery: Unusual Diamond Found with Another Diamond Inside, Ancient Amethyst Ring May Have Served as Hangover Prevention, Man Discovers 794-Pound Emerald Worth $300 Million, Rare Discovery Reveals Insect Trapped in Opal! If the fossil is still quite dirty, dip the paintbrush in a solution of warm, soapy water and gently scrub the fossil with the brush. Weathered limestone and shales can sometimes be entirely removed. I normally clean my North Sulphur River fossils with a little Simple Green and warm water but it doesn't seem to work on the freshly exposed fossils with the hard grey shale on them. Rinse the rocks off under warm water to remove all the toothpaste. Clean: Gently clean the ammonites with a brush and lukewarm water. West Virginia is the nation's fourth-largest producer of natural gas, which surpassed coal production in 2019, but gas fuels just 4 percent of its electricity. if possible set up your piece in a dish so that only the exposed pyrite is exposed to the iron-out solution, then scrub it every hour or so. Place the rocks into the bucket and let them soak for 10 minutes or so. Boiling will help to soften the tissue, making it easier to remove. Avoid exposing fossils to direct sunlight, as this can bleach the fossils. If you want a mirror-like finish on your rocks, use a polishing compound. Remove the shell from the bleach solution and rinse it with clean running water. Soak the turtle shell in the bleach mixture for 10-15 minutes. This can be generated with water heated to boiling in a flask. If you have a fossil in a shale matrix, you may apply hardener to the entire piece or just soak the underside to stabilize the shale. Store it in a safe place away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Natural gas will play a crucial role as a bridging fuel in the energy transition, but that does not mean that developing supply of the fossil fuel is in direct conflict with the quest to . Apply a generous amount of coat of clear drying marine epoxy or lacquer to the skeleton. Rinse again: Rinse off the rocks again with warm water. How do you hand polish a fossil? Optionally, you can dip the fossil in a bowl of clear mineral oil for a few minutes. 1 day Shale CEO Highlights What . This will increase the overall strength of the fossils as it compacts the sandstone together. Create a Soapy Solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water in the bucket. Swirl the rocks around in the mixture for a few minutes. The shale will swell and literally explode. Allow the fossil to air dry in a cool and dark location. Use a basic hand-held garden trowel or a small shovel to gently scrape away loose leaves and dirt from the surface of the rocks. Place the skeleton in a container with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and allow it to soak for 24 hours. Oct 25 2021 Wipe down the wood with a damp cloth to remove any dust created by sanding. Bony fossils are encased in a rock jacket, but by the time the bones weather free they have become bone meal. January 28, 2016 in Fossil Preparation. It will fill any gaps and cracks in the material, allowing for the fossils to be held in place better. To increase contrast, you may try a very thin coat of non-glossy finish, such as an acrylic spray, yellow dextrin, paste wax, petroleum jelly, slate dressing, or even sun screen. Dry the purse. Place the sand dollars in a sunny location to allow them to dry completely.