Fossil labeling

[DPS Ammonite]

I need help with the best ways to put a label on a fossil.

 

Currently I either write on the fossil directly or on a bit of white acrylic paint with an archival pen. 
 

Is it a good practice to put an under layer (below paint or pen ink) of a consolidant such as Butvar B 76 in acetone?

 

Will a really thick application (honey like) of a consolidant on sandstone provide a smooth surface to write on? Currently I use multiple layers of artists titanium white acrylic paint which does not work on surfaces as rough as sandstone.

 

If a surface is too rough, is it OK to cover a achieval paper label with a consolidant such as Paraloid B 67?

 

Is it worthwhile to put a topcoat of a consolidant on the pen ink label to protect it? I read that Paraloid B 67 dissolved in paint thinner (white spirits) works because consolidants dissolved in acetone might smear the pen ink.

 

I want a label that will last since I want to donate them to a US Forest Service nature center where they get handled frequently.

 

Thanks.

 

@jpc

 

@Carl

 

 

https://museumservicescorporation.com/products/paraloid-b-67-marking-varnishes

Edited June 23 by DPS Ammonite

[hadrosauridae]

Yes, apply a base of consolidant .  

Ye, if the surface is rough, you can write on a piece of archival paper and put that into the base layer. 

Yes, always put a protective top coat over the label.

 

I have attached a PDF guide to help.

marking kit.pdf

[DPS Ammonite]

Thanks. 
 

This is the best summary that I have seen. Just hard to search for when I needed it. 
 

I notice that Carl along with many others is given credit at the bottom.

[hadrosauridae]

21 minutes ago, DPS Ammonite said:

Thanks. 
 

This is the best summary that I have seen. Just hard to search for when I needed it. 
 

I notice that Carl along with many others is given credit at the bottom.

paleo is a small world!  I always find it amazing to see names on publications and specimens of people I have actually met and talked with. 

 

[Carl]

Sounds like your have a pretty good protocol. 

 

I'll quickly outline ours:

 

Base coat of B72 (I'm sure Butvar/B76 would work, too)

India ink or thinned white acrylic paint, depending on the color of the fossil

Overcoat of B72

 

You could also make a B72/white acrylic/India ink/B72 sandwich

 

Archival paper with archival ink adhered with B72 is another good way to go, especially on rough matrices

Edited July 3 by Carl

[jpc]

This paper is the gold standard.  A good resource.