How to Repair a Butterfly Collection

Fixing a Broken Glass Display

• 1

  Remove the mount board gently from the glass display.

• 2

  Gently dust the mount board and butterfly samples using a dry rag or duster.

• 3

  Place the butterfly samples and mount board in a safe place and cover with acid-free tissue paper.

• 4

  Measure the length and width of your broken glass display. Carefully dispose of the broken glass.

• 5

  Order a piece of replacement glass of the same size from the display case manufacturer.

• 6

  Place the glass in the display case frame, then place the mounting board back behind the glass and close the display case.

Repairing Dirty or Damaged Mounting Board

• 7

  Separate the glass display top from the mounting board, and set the glass display top aside.

• 8

  While the insects are still mounted to the mounting board, gently dust them and the board with a dry rag or duster.

• 9

  Remove the pins fastening the butterfly specimens to the mounting board, and put them in a container.

• 10

  While keeping the butterflies as spread as possible, gently remove each of them one by one and put them on acid-free tissue paper. Lay the butterflies flat and allow plenty of room between them. Once they have all been removed, cover them with another sheet of paper.

• 11

  Using a damp cloth, wipe away any extraneous dirt or stains from the mounting board. If the mounting board has been torn or is beginning to yellow, replace it with another mounting board of the same size. Allow the mounting board to dry before placing and pinning the butterflies on it. Replace the glass and close the display case.

Replacing Bent or Damaged Pins

• 12

  Follow Steps 1 and 2 from Section 2.

• 13

  Remove bent or damaged pins from mounting board, and dispose of them.

• 14

  Keeping the butterflies in place, gently insert the replacement number two stainless steel pins into the butterflies' thoraxes.

• 15

  Replace the glass front and close the display case.