> I'm trying to find a material (foam?) that will allow small archaelogical
> objects to be imbedded and mounted vertically. Does anyone have any
> suggestions?  Reference books?  Is this the right newsgroup for this type
> of question?  Thank you.RE: Suspending Artifacts Vertically

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum mounted archaeological items vertically in a
simulated badlands-type "hands-on" display.  The foam we used was a 3M blue
styrofoam (the kind used on the outside of homes) that also comes in lime
green, pink, etc..  It was mounted on plywood and sculpted to suit.

We used the "Dryvit System" for the outer coating, from Dryvit System Inc.
(P.O. Box 1014, One Energy Way, West Warwick, RI, 02893, 1-800-556-7752).
This is obtainable from your local hardware store.

Primus/Adhesive (a Dryvit product) is mixed 1:1 with portland cement and
applied over a fibreglass mesh (the mesh having been stapled to the foam).
This is like a "scratch coat".

The artifact was wrapped in "Stretch & Seal" or "Saran Wrap" and imbedded in
the "scratch coat" to make the form and then removed to let dry.  Once dry
the artifact was permanently adhered using a construction caulking adhesive.
Then the Dryvit finish coat was spread over the "scratch coat" up to the
edge of the objects.  Once dry, the surface is hard and the object secure.

If you require any further information, please contact Hans Serger at the
Royal Saskatchewan Museum at [log in to unmask] or (306) 787-2863.