Muriatic Acid Dip
Florida Shelling Fanatics- May 1
- 3 min read
🐚 🧼 Cleaning shells with Muriatic Acid (or Acid Magic). Here’s the process that we use. My wife is the boss at dipping shells and I documented her process to share with you… 💪
“How to clean shells with Muriatic Acid / Acid Magic - directions.”
⚠️ 🛑 Warning… we only recommend using this method for shells that are hard to clean. Most shells can easily be cleaned with dish soap and warm water followed by mineral oil with a brush. 50/50 peroxide/water can also be used in the bath to help remove calcium buildup. Just be mindful of what you are trying to clean, shiny shells probably do not need to be cleaned as they may lose some of their shine.
🛑 ⚠️ *WARNING* Muriatic acid can be hard on shells and a lot of serious collectors prefer not to use it.
With that said… you’ll see from the pics that this method is great for bringing out some life in those old shells. 😃 This dip is wonderful at removing calcium build-up on shells. 💯
Supplies:
1. 🛑 Muriatic Acid (very strong chemical): https://amzn.to/4jBamTN or 🧼 Acid Magic (less potent version of Muriatic Acid): https://amzn.to/42UyZmU
2. 👓 Safety Goggles and Face Mask Respirator: https://amzn.to/3MqY8O4
3. 🧤 Gloves: https://amzn.to/43aArD6
4. ✂️ Long Metal Tongs: https://amzn.to/3MAKNCK
5. 🪣 Bucket: https://amzn.to/3MT1yKO
6. 🫙 Glass Beaker/Bowl: https://amzn.to/42BFiLC
7. 💨Baking Soda: https://amzn.to/3ovEhFr
8. ✨ Mineral Oil: https://amzn.to/43s6QCs
⚠️ 🛑 Acid can ruin most anything it comes in contact with. It can also injure you so use with extreme caution! Ideal working environment is outdoors in a well ventilated area. Cover all tables and surfaces near the working area. 🛑 ⚠️
Directions: *READ EVERYTHING BEFORE STARTING*
A. Prepare your acid dip in a glass beaker or bowl: 3 parts water to 1 part acid. Add water to container first, then add the acid.
B. Add baking soda and water to a bucket for rinsing your shells after they are dipped in the Muriatic acid. 🛑 This step is important because the baking soda will neutralize the acid and prevent the shell from further deterioration.
C. Using the metal tongs dip shell into glass beaker with 3-1 acid for 2-5 seconds. You can always dip again if you need more cleaning. 🛑 The acid eats away at the shell so it’s important to dip sparingly.
D. Lift the shell out of the acid with tongs and Dip into the bucket with baking soda and water. This will neutralize the acid as you rinse your shells.
E. Lay shell out to dry.
F. You can use tools to help remove any remaining gunk like barnacles or the nasty layer of periostracum found on conch shells. Tweezers are helpful in pulling it off. Repeat the dip process for better results.
NOTE: The acid dip will remove the natural shine from shells. For this reason we do not use it on shells such as olives which tend to have a beautiful, natural high gloss shine.
G. Use a paintbrush 🖌️ to paint mineral oil over the shell. This will make your shell shine and bring out the color. ✨
H. ⚠️ DISPOSAL:
To dispose, slowly pour the acid dip into a bucket with water and baking soda. (Prepare a 5 gallon bucket in advance-filled with water and 1 box of baking soda mixed until baking soda is fully dissolved.) After slowly pouring the acid dip into your bucket, you can lightly sprinkle baking soda into the bucket to check if all the acid is neutralized. *When there is no more fizzing, the acid is neutralized and you can safely dispose of the contents by pouring down the toilet.
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