[NHCOLL-L:4536] Removing dust from skulls / bones

[Paula Hildebrandt]

I respectfully have to disagree with this idea.  The objective is to remove 
something, not to add something.  Bone is too porous; some polish residue 
would be permanent.  And how would you get into all the tight areas?  If it 
were my task, I would wash the dust off with plain water, perhaps a little 
mild dish-type soap if necessary, using paintbrushes or toothbrushes, 
whatever size is appropriate.  Rinse with clean water, allow to dry, 
perhaps with a fan blowing.  Care must be taken not to wash catalogue 
numbers away, nor affect antler color, etc.  One may have to get creative, 
perhaps moving the skeleton(s) to a room with a floor drain and use a 
gentle flow of water from a garden hose to scrub and rinse dust away.  The 
base may need to be removed temporarily.

>Best (I've used) is upholstery cleaning foam - brush off surface dust
>(obviously) then squirt on foam, rub in until the foam goes nicely grey
>then paper towel off, repeat as necessary, damp cloth to remove any
>residues and there you are. Should remove


Paula Hildebrandt
Vertebrate Specimen Preparator
Michigan State University Museum
West Circle Drive
E. Lansing, MI  48824-1045
517/432-6205
517/432-2846 FAX
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