MUSEUM STYLE BASES
"A Conservative Approach To Fine Mineral Display"


FAQ


Q:   How long will the mounting process take?

A:   I try to keep the turnaround time to a minimum.     In most cases your minerals and their new bases will be returned in under a week.     If not, I will inform you at the initial contact.



Q:   As I love my minerals, I worry about sending them off to strangers.     Who will be handling them?

A:   I personally do all the custom mounting and I will be the only person handling your specimens.     I have over 30 years experience with fine minerals, and probably love minerals as much as you do!



Q:   I have a matrix-less Okenite puffball.     Can you mount it?

A:   No!



Q:   Is there a risk of my specimen being damaged during mounting?

A:   The mounting process does not place unusual stress or strain on specimens.     All specimens to be mounted should be able to withstand normal careful handling.     Please do not send excessively fragile specimens.



Q:   What are your bases made from?     Are they plaster of Paris or Sculpey?

A:   No! My bases are made from a modern durable molding compound, hand trimmed and sanded, primed and painted with several coats of flat black paint.



Q:   Can you paint them white?

A:   I can paint them any color, but find that there are a multitude of "whites", and attempts at color matching are disappointing.     I prefer the continuity of flat black bases.



Q:   Do you need my specimen to make a base?

A:   Yes!     There is no substitute for a direct cast made from the actual mineral.     This method allows the base to follow the exact contour of the contact area of the specimen, providing stability with a smaller "footprint" on the shelf.



Q:   How long does it take you to make a base?

A:   Most bases require two and a half to three hours of actual work.     Elapsed time is longer, as there is waiting time between various steps in the process.     The considerable amount of "engineering" and attention to detail involved in these small black bases comes through in the finished product.



Q:   Why is a miniature base the same price as a cabinet base?

A:   Although miniature bases require fewer materials, more time is necessary for fit and finish.     The work is much finer and more delicate, and must withstand the intense scrutiny of a miniature display.