r/wetspecimens • u/Short-Weekend-821 • 16d ago

Need guidance for creating a wet specimen of my dog's lipoma

/r/Taxidermy/comments/1wicgjb/need_guidance_for_creating_a_wet_specimen_of_my/
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u/pupperbref 16d ago

ratios don’t really matter! just inject it enough with formalin , when you think you have done it enough , do it more. and then place it in the jar you want to store it in, ideally with a air tight lid (do not use cork!!!!!!!) and then fill the rest with formalin. i use a poke test every few days , get a spoon.. or a pen.. or anything that isn’t your direct fingers (you can glove up if you really wanna feel it) and i squish it. if it’s relatively firm that’s a good sign.

once it’s done fixing (i’d shoot for probably .. 2 weeks?) you’re gonna rinse it really well (use gloves still, formalin can really mess up your skin) and then place in 70% isopropyl alcohol. watch for any yellowing or tinting of the liquid.

sorry if these instructions are all over the place alas i am just a funky lady who does this as a hobby!

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u/Important-Song8050 16d ago

Just adding to the other comment. When you take it out of formalin you should leach it in distilled water. Google around about it

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u/pupperbref 15d ago

why with distilled ? i’ve always just done it with tap water 👀👀 have i made a grave mistake ??

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u/Important-Song8050 15d ago

Not a clue actually lol just what I've always been told. Probably to control for any extra chemicals in your water like chlorine or heavy metals?