You could coat them with clear epoxy, which would protect them somewhat.  
OR
Not sure how you would feel about this, but you *could* "replace" legs, antennae, and such with wire or plastic fabricated to replicate them.  They would not have the weak joints, and could be replaced if they were broken/lost.  

Just my thoughts...

-Casandra Karl
Consultant
www.museumsolutions.net

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 10, 2014, at 4:02 PM, Megan Geurts <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Well the bugs will not in jars but rather placed on a tree. So they would be out in the open. We were thinking a acrylic clear spray paint? These would not be collections pieces so no worries about preservation issues.
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Apr 10, 2014 at 2:31 PM, NATALIE TOTH <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> We have used hand sanitizer to preserve our insects in the gel-like substance inside tiny viles and jars.  It keeps them from drying out and losing legs :)
>> 
>> -Natalie
>> 
>> -- 
>> Natalie Toth
>> School Programs
>> Natural History Museum of Utah
>> 301 Wakara Way
>> Salt Lake City, UT 84108
>> [log in to unmask]
>> 801.587.3536
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 4/10/14 12:30 PM, "Megan Geurts" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hello wise ones!
>> 
>> I have a quick question about using natural items in exhibition spaces. We are currently  building a discovery room for children and plan on having some natural items within the space including a deceased hissing cockroach, a beetle, and a tea brick. These items will become brittle and break. Is there a sealant or coating we can place on the materials that will seal it from breaking?
>> 
>> Thank you in advance!
>> 
>> Megan
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Megan Geurts I Museum at Prairiefire
>> 6240 W 135th Street I Overland Park, KS  66223
>> 219-781-6962 Mobile 
>> 
>> 
>> Please note our new address and phone number, effective May 1
>> st, 2014: 
>> 5801 W 135th Street I Overland Park, KS  66223
>> (913) 333-3500 
>> 
>> 
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> 
> -- 
> Megan Geurts
> M.A. Museum Studies
> [log in to unmask]
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