The Art Of Butterfly Preservation
Step 1: Rehydration
Butterflies arrive in a folded "papered" state to protect their wings during transport. Before they can be carefully positioned, they must be relaxed in a humidity-controlled rehydration chamber for 24–48 hours. This process restores flexibility to the wings and body, allowing them to be safely spread without damage.
Step 2: Pinning & Spreading
Once fully relaxed, the specimen is carefully mounted on a spreading board. The wings are gently positioned by hand and secured in place to achieve a natural, balanced display. Each butterfly remains on the board while it dries completely, a process that typically takes 7–14 days.
Step 3: Drying & Preservation
After drying, the specimen permanently holds its shape. The butterfly is then removed from the spreading board and inspected to ensure it meets display standards.
Step 4: Framing
The finished specimen is either placed into a handcrafted frame or stored in archival-quality specimen boxes until it is selected for a future design. Each piece is assembled by hand and prepared for its final display.
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