Frames & displays:
- Store in dry, non-humid place like bathrooms and basements without dehumidifiers. Avoid placing frames above heating systems or near high moisture plants.
- Glass cleaner or glass wipes can be used to clean frames and domes. Avoid excessive movement to minimize the risk of damage.
- Avoid sunlight or sunrooms - this can cause the colors of the insects and flowers to fade. Your piece can become damaged and/or sun bleached.
- Refrain from displaying your new piece on a fireplace that is used regularly. Mixes of hot glue, craft glue, and superglue is used to secure the insects and floral/crystal/bone inclusions in your piece. Heat does cause adhesive to melt and/or deteriorate over time and may damage the item.
- When moving your piece, avoid leaving them stored for an extended period of time as moisture build up can occur depending on the type of enviorment they are kept in. Places such as outbuildings, attics, or closests/wardrobes can harbor humidity. It's best to unbox and display your new piece in a safe place as soon as possible.
- Keep away from pets. Any open mounted piece with real florals are not recommended with pets, however the florals I use are pet friendly. If anything is not pet friendly this will be disclosed at the time of sale (if in person) or specified in the product description.
In the event you have an infestation:
Personally I have only dealt with infestations from pieces I have purchased knowing full well they were not in the best shape. Please use this information as a precaution only.
If you notice dust specs in your piece, place the insect in the freezer for at least 3 days to kill off any remaining alive pests. DO NOT place the glass in the freezer as this may cause the glass to crack. Remove from the freezer, and re-freeze after a couple of days to ensure any unhatched eggs have been taken care of. In the event you continue to expierence any issues contact me immediately.
Mummified & Taxidermy Specimens:
- All items are treated to avoid pest infestation.
- It's recommended that once every 6-8 months you should spray your taxidermy items with protector spray. Please research which protectors to use, I personally have had great expierences with Trophyklean Premium Taxidermy Mount Cleaner/Protector. Keep in mind this goes a long way and it's a good idea to invest in a good protecting agent.
- Avoid displaying in direct sunlight, this can damage and bleach to both fur and feathers.
Wet Specimens:
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Wet specimens are animals or insects that are preserved and displayed in a container filled with preservative.
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Depending on the size, your wet specimen will already be sent in a container with 70% isopropyl alcohol and ready to display. Again, it's recommended to avoid displaying near heat sources or direct sunlight. If your specimen is on the larger side it will be sent without liquid and the container will be wrapped separately. You will need to supply your own alcohol.
**It's recommended to use only 70%, anything higher could cause damage to your specimen. If this is all you can source, use about a 4:1 ratio of alcohol and purified water** -
If you notice the liquid looking cloudy or slightly tinted, this is likely caused by scales or fur that have fallen off the specimen. You can simply replace the liquid. This does not mean your specimen is damaged.
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Your specimen can last a lifetime + with proper care. If you want to change the container, avoid cork and metal lids. Any glass or plastic container with a air tight seal will work well.