Does anyone know the right way to preserve a blue crab shell?

Question

I'm interested in preserving some crab shells I have and painting them. Does anyone know a good way to do this so they will last and not become brittle? I'm not having much luck finding information on the subject.

Answer 1

I still have shells that my mother collected before WWII - never been painted or varnished.  How thick are the shells?  If they are fairly thick and not going to be handled much, I don't think you have much to worry about.