Cleaning abalone shells

[ElementsStudioOne]

Cool man do you sell them?

[bphoto21]

Very nice video.What kind of filters do you use for the mask?

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@bphoto21

Im not sure. I just use whatever they sell at my local hardware store.

I know if you cut or grind into the shell the dust is toxic so be careful.

[hmbalh]

how to clean raw abalone shells maybe 12tons just taken out from the sea

[lotuslily1000]

Greetings:

Is there a way to polish the inside of the shell without using polyurethane?

Like buffing it or something?

Thanks

@yahoo.com

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@lotuslily1000

Not that I know of.

I would ask somebody that works with abalone jewelery.

[vv55sst]

Thank you.

[comptim]

get down wit yo bad self.

[vv55sst]

Is there a way to clean off the green discoloration on the interior?

Thanks!

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@vv55sst

I prefer to leave the green because it is part of the natural coloring.

Using Muriatic acid will remove it and all other parts of the shell. Put Vaseline were you do not want to dissolve the shell.

[spidaminida]

That was an awesome video. Thank you.

[dpdonahue]

Great Video! I have several shells myself and have been researching ways to polish them. Have you ever taken the outside shell all the way down so it is the same color as the inside? And on your polishing wheel are you only using the wire?

Thanks, David

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@dpdonahue

I have not and recommend that if you do remove the outer layer you are very careful about the dust. It is harmful to your lungs.

I use a stainless steel wire wheel for most of the outside shell cleaning and a pick sometimes for the deep grooves.

[jlynchs1]

A variation on the cleaing:

You can buy muriatic acid (stuff you use in your pool or jacuzzi), and half fill a 5 gallon bucket with 50% acid and 50% water. Fill another bucket with just water. I tie a string to shell, and then alternate dipping between the acid solution and the water for 30 second intervals til clean. Rinse & bake at 200 til dry, then spray on polyurathane. Whalla! All done in under 4 hours. Dont overbake!!!

Sun has never hurt my shells! Polyurethane brings color back out!

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@jlynchs1

Good time saving tips, Thanks

[chaekilee]

Great tutorial, I am going to have to try that next year, as I left all my shells in the sun this year. Good timing for Xmas gifts.

[NCUWHdiverdave]

@chaekilee

Thanks

WOW your fast. I just posted this.

The sun will bleach out the colors depending on which side was up and and was it direct sunlight.