Conservation with Polyethylenglycohl

In conserving with PEG the water contained in the fossil is replaced by the wax-like PEG during a longer process. Hereby damages like shrinking while drying can be avoided.

For which fossils is this method suited?
For highly hydrous and demineralized fossils, esp. fossil bones and teeth containing a still high amount of organic substance. Dessication and decomposition of organic components cause tensions which in turn may lead to fissures and the decay of the fossil years later. This kind of material is a big challenge to conservation and subsequent storage.

Important! In order to avoid a pre-existing damage caused by dessication during the recovery of humid material it is vital to recover the object as quickly as possible and to keep it in a water container.
We are happy to advise you on the recovery of critical material.

Long-term experience
Impregnation with PEG has been known in archaeology for decades and used there especially for wood. We have been achieving excellent results in fossil preparation for the last 30 years, esp. with teeth. Compared to other methods like the impregnation with plastic or varnish, PEG has proven to be the more reliable material. Moreover, no dehydration of the fossil is needed during the process of conservation.

PEG can be dissolved again and should a follow-up treatment become necessary, it can be re-impregnated, one big advantage compared to plastics like epoxy or polyester resin which are both insoluble.

Scientific handling
After conservation the objects are basically in a state allowing scientific treatment. On demand sampling will be done before conservation, e.g. for the radiocarbon dating. PEG consists of of carbon chains which however can be dissolved again out of the object so that samples of it can also be processed with some effort later.

Duration of the conservation
As a rule the conservation lasts for about a year, depending on the size of the object.

Condition of the fossil after conservation
The fossil has now become solidified and has a mat, slightly wax-like gloss. The colouring is life-like. The fossil has become slightly heavier due to then higher density of the PEG compared to water. In cooled condition PEG is of a whitish transparency which can be seen in the filled-up fissures and spongiosa.

Storage and Conditions for Exhibition
Regarding display and storage one should be careful that neither lighting nor solar radiation do heat up the fossil over 50°C; darker spots would appear on the fossil’s surface because the PEG melts. PEG is soluble in water, so please clean your fossil – if needs be – only dryly. In general we recommend a storage at a temperature of 15°C and at a relative air humidity of 60%.

We are the only private firm to offer this procedure of preparation also for large objects and finds.
Moreover we have long-term experience in preparing and conserving with other methods as well so that we can deal with your find individually. We work with methods acknowledged in the field of restoration and it goes without saying that we hand in a preparation concept as well as final report.

Would you like to complete your fragments or to exhibit them adequately? Come to us, we are happy to help!

The skull find of Mammuthus primigenius of Hünxe. The story: How a find get on display.