Ana Weaver
It is not every day you see a shark skeleton! Most often, it is in a museum. But before you see it, there is a meticulous process conducted to prepare it for display. There are many steps in restoring a shark skeleton and mounting it for exhibition. This blog post covers the basics of preparing shark specimens for collectors or displays. We explain what you should know about shark skeletons before deciding if this is the right restoration project for your needs. For more info check: https://sharkjawcleaning.com/.
Shark skeletons are very valuable and can be used to make museum-quality specimens
How is this done? It starts with removing the skin. The shark’s skin is carefully removed, and then the skeleton is cleaned of all remaining flesh and organs. This can be a long and intricate process, but it is essential to preserve the shark skeleton.
After the cleaning process is complete, the bones are often bleached to achieve a uniform colour. They may also be treated with a sealant to help protect them from decay. Finally, they are mounted on a stand or board for display.
This process takes time and effort, but the results are worth it! Shark skeletons make beautiful and unique exhibits that are sure to fascinate visitors. If you are interested in having one prepared for your collection, please contact us for information.
If you want your shark skeleton to last, it is vital to remember that the more delicate parts should not be handled with bare hands
Some parts of the shark skeleton must be handled with great care: the teeth and the gill arches. Touching these delicate parts with your bare hands can damage them or even break them off!
If you want to handle shark bones, it is essential to use gloves and a pair of forceps for each bone – do not hold multiple shark bones in one hand at once. If possible, always wear gloves while handling shark skeletons.
Once all of the pieces of the shark skeleton are exposed, it is necessary to make sure everything is thoroughly dry before putting it back together again! Shark fossils are mainly composed of calcium carbonate, which will dissolve if exposed to water for too long, so bone cleaning must be done carefully.
When preserving a specimen, the shark’s teeth will need special care because they contain mercury which cannot be removed
The mercury found in shark teeth results from the shark’s diet. Sharks that eat fish that have eaten mercury-contaminated prey will accumulate toxic levels of mercury in their flesh and teeth.
The best way to clean shark teeth is with a baking soda paste. The baking soda is mixed with water until it forms a thick paste, then brushed onto the tooth surface using an old toothbrush. The paste is then left to sit for about five minutes before rinsing off.
If you do not plan to display a shark skeleton right away, keep it in a sealed container. Fill the container with desiccant packets or dry rice to help absorb any moisture. You can also use silica gel packs to adsorb gas, vapour, or odour. Desiccant packs are also available as activated carbon, molecular sieve, and clay.
When ready to display your shark skeleton, there are some further steps you should take to ensure it looks its best. There are several ways to mount shark skeletons, such as wire mesh, epoxy resin, or polyester putty. The best method will depend on how sturdy the mounting needs to be.
Once the shark skeleton is mounted, it is ready to be displayed and admired by all!
Shark skeletons are a popular item for collectors, and there is a good reason why. They are an impressive sight, and they can be fascinating to look at. However, shark skeletons are not exactly easy to come by. And if you want to add one to your collection, you will need to prepare it correctly.
It takes time and patience to prepare a shark skeleton for display – some people spend years perfecting the technique!
This is why it is critical to hire only a true expert to handle your shark exhibit. Without the correct knowledge and procedures, shark skeletons can be ruined.
The first step is removing the skin, flesh, and organs from the bones. This is done by hand, using a scalpel and small scissors. The team must be careful not to damage any bones during this process.
After the flesh has been removed, the bones are cleaned and bleached. This helps to preserve them and also gives them a brighter appearance.
Next, the bones are assembled into their proper positions. This can be a laborious and time-consuming process, as each bone must be placed where it belongs.
Once everything is in place, the skeleton is glued together. This creates a much more durable exhibit that will last for many years.
Each step needs knowledge and experience, and it is a process that should only be undertaken by an expert. That way you can be sure of a stunning result!
For your specimen to remain intact, avoid using any type of harsh chemicals on it
This is a must! To avoid damage to the shark skeleton, never use any harsh chemicals when cleaning it. Only a soft brush and soapy water to clean the bones. A mild bleach solution can be used on the jaws.
If your exhibit includes a shark jaw, take special care when mounting it. Ensure that all the teeth are in place and that the joint is stable. If necessary, use epoxy to hold the pieces together while they dry.
Once the skeleton has been cleaned and mounted, it is ready for display! A shark skeleton makes a great addition to any collection and will attract attention from visitors.
Be sure to include information about the shark species name, size, and where it was caught whenever possible. This will help educate people about these fantastic creatures and their importance in our ocean ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can create a shark exhibit – but it takes a true master to showcase the skeletons of these fearsome creatures in all their glory! Visitors to the display can learn about their anatomy, behaviour, and how they interact with humans through professionally prepared shark skeleton exhibits. Check out our Instagram feed to see more specimens like a Great White Shark skeleton!