Storage of Prepared Specimens

Polished sections and thin sections can be protected during storage by mounting the cover glass with a drop of epoxy (without hardener) on the prepared section surface. A small dropper bottle containing 

Immersion of epoxy-encapsulated materials in polished sections in an anhydrous lightweight oil (preferably odorless) in a wide-mouth glass jar with a screwtop lid effectively minimizes, but does not eliminate, hydration. If the specimen is re-examined microscopically, the oil appearing on the polished surface can be removed with a sonic cleaner containing iso propyl alcohol, followed by a forceful isopropyl alco hoi spray. Dorn and Adams (1983) used Freon in a sonic cleaner to remove residual oil on polished section surfaces. In the writer s experience, oil droplets on a polished section can be removed with a brief application of acetone, followed by an alcohol spray wash, and blow drying. 

---