What is the best way to clean sea shells?

Question

I have a large batch of what I believe to be mainly clam shells, but I am unsure of how to clean, protect and bring out all of their color. I have read that I should soak them in a bleach/water solution for a day or so, then rub them in mineral oil. Is that correct? Also, I have some silicon spray that I think could be useful for sealing them. What would be the best method to follow for this? Also, what would be the best way of gluing broken pieces back to gether? Would Crazy Glue be alright, or should I look for somethign else? The pieces I am working with consist largely of the beautiful purple from inside the shell, so should any special precautions be taken with them?

One last thing, what would be the best way to drill a hole thropugh them? Would a plain power drill be alright, or would some thing more specialized be needed?

I know thats a lot of questions, but thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer 1

Sea shells don't really need to be protected because they're evolved to withstand weather. I'd clean them with a nail brish or other soft brush, dry them ans use a glossy sealant to keep them looking wet.

Use a dremel tool with a ceramic bit, and have masking tape over the spot so the bit won't slide.

I would just use the broken pieces as-is. They would always be obviously repaired.


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Answer 2

clam shells are not colorful actually, bleach will whiten dirty shells, muratic acid will remove the calcium deposits over top of the mother of pearl layer, oil will just attract dust to them, silicone no, clear acrylic spray yes. you really cant glue them all that well, you can use the tiny dremel drill, a large drill would destroy them unless they are thick shells.