Stabilise Crustaceans Crab And Lobster Claws Help

CrabL would be best on this one

 

He comes on here often

 

Crab lover , Bruce

 

I did blue crabs for years and my way probably differs from Bruce's. When the crab was posed and totally dry, I took Epo-Grip Liquid Fast Set and painted each joint. Then I thinned it with Xylol so that it would go through a Paasche #5 airbrush tip. I sprayed the entire crab with several coats. Once cure, I painted it. After the paint dried, I put several coats of Krylon Triple Thick over them. I still had a few people with hammer hand who'd break a leg or two but with the epoxy base, it's easy to repair.

 

It would help to know what species you are dealing with. The preservation process can differ greatly from one species to another. The claws cause the biggest issue as they dry out. They will distort and often crack and break into pieces on the larger crab and lobster claws. It is also important that the specimen chosen be just before the shedding stage. The shell and claws will be the hardest then before they sluff into the soft state. It is best to use a live specimen over a dead or frozen one. The Blue Crab will mount up far easier than a Stone or Dungeness, and a Lobster can drive you nuts, as the moisture evaporates. I use different preservation and mounting methods based on the species and size. A good hard shell is a must, and helps eliminate lots of potential problems.