Asked on Jul 24, 2016

How to vitalize seashells

Valerie Wisch
by Valerie Wisch
How do I get my shells to look like they did when they were in water. I want to keep the texture but show off the beautiful colors.
I wet 1/2 of each shell to show the vibrant colors
  15 answers
  • Joan Churchill Joan Churchill on Jul 25, 2016
    Try using a clear coat spray on them. You can buy in in the paint section most places.
  • Barbara Alcock Gurlek Barbara Alcock Gurlek on Jul 25, 2016
    Try a coat of mod podge.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jul 25, 2016
    Rub baby oil or mineral oil on them.
  • Linda Linda on Jul 25, 2016
    Clean them thoroughly, then "polish" them with coconut oil or baby oil.
  • Carol alexander Carol alexander on Jul 25, 2016
    I just use plain old olive oil. Easy!
  • Lucie Lucie on Jul 25, 2016
    whatever you use, ModPodge or clear varnish spray or liquid, make certain it"s shiny. Matte finish will not give you the look you are looking for
  • Carol Day Carol Day on Jul 25, 2016
    i would say varnish spray, thats what i did to mine and they look wet
  • Sandra Ferrante-Kohn Sandra Ferrante-Kohn on Jul 25, 2016
    It is important that you first clean them thoroughly. I live at the beach and what I do first is soak them in a 50% diluted solution of bleach. I usually let them soak for a minimum of 2 hours. After they have soaked, I drain them and place them a pot with water to cover. No bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat and allow the shells to simmer for 5-10 minutes. After that step, I drain them and allow them to dry on a paper towel lined tray. Let them sir dry for at least 24 hours. Now you can wax them. Oil them or use an acrylic spray. I prefer to leave them au natural.
  • Bobbie Littlefield Bobbie Littlefield on Jul 25, 2016
    Soak, clean well. spray with polyurethane (gloss). dry. Will "yellow" over time with sun exposure but I think that adds to the charm.
  • Ana Ana on Jul 25, 2016
    Spray varnish may look good when new but ages badly, for a good look that will last forever use oil, Any non scented oil will do and last forever
  • Nancy Nancy on Jul 26, 2016
    Most shell collectors clean them with a mild bleach solution and then use mineral oil on them.
  • Debra Miklowcic Debra Miklowcic on Jul 26, 2016
    I use clear nail polish, easy and you probably have it already. You can experiment with other clear shades with sparkles or a pearly look.
  • Juliebd Juliebd on Jul 27, 2016
    I do a combination of all of the above. Boil them for 5 mins with 1/4 c bleach to a large pot of water. EXCEPT do not use bleach on shiny shells like olives. Bleach will ruin the shine. Then I sort them and completely dry them in the sun. Some I give a very light spray of low gloss acrylic spray. (Yes, over time they will yellow but I consider that part of their charm) *Special* shells I polish lightly with mineral oil. The shells will look colorful, as they did when they were still wet with ocean water. Julie ~ JulsOfParadise
  • Lgl5592587 Lgl5592587 on Jul 28, 2016
    Same issue with beach pebbles. I'm experimenting before I make a stepping stone with them. 1st I used mineral oil, them gloss OUTDOOR decoupage finish. I'm also thinking of spar varnish at the end. So far, the shine has held, though slightly less shiny than water.
  • Elaine Elaine on Jul 28, 2016
    I love seashells and displaying them in a large bowl on my coffee table as part of a vignette for the summer; in the fall, they're tucked away for another year. However, you may prefer yours on display year-round. If that's the case, I'd avoid oil as the oil will act as a dust magnet and you'll have greasy, gunked-up shells (**see below) on your hands. I'd look for a spray that has a UV filter in it (to avoid yellowing). I see "Lglix" is suggesting "outdoor decoupage" (I didn't know there was such a product) but if it has a UV filtering agent that's a good solution. Re (**) a woman I once knew loved bowls of potpourri around her home; every now and then, she added a scented oil to her displays but I guess she didn't notice the accumulation of dust settling on the once pretty potpourri. lol! I'd hate that to happen to one of nature's special gifts ... seashells, that's why I'd be leery of using oil. The suggestion by Debra (Florida) of using clear nail polish is good too but if you have a lot of shells like I do, you'll need quite a few bottles and if the shells are displayed outside, they may also yellow over time.