How to Preserve the Color of a Starfish

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Things You'll Need

  • 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)

  • Container

  • Paper towel

Collect and preserve starfish for creative decorations.

A trip to the beach often provides an opportunity to collect shells and marine inhabitants, including starfish. A starfish typically has five arms, but there are more than 2,000 species of starfish. Some have six or more arms in a variety of shapes. Starfish make an interesting memento and can be a decorative object for your home. There is a simple process to properly preserve the color of a starfish you've collected.

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Step 1

Rinse a collected starfish under running water to remove the saltwater and sand. Pat dry the starfish with a paper towel.

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Step 2

Pour 70 percent isopropyl alcohol, also called rubbing alcohol, into a container. Add enough to cover the starfish.

Step 3

Place the starfish in the container with the alcohol. Allow the starfish to sit in the container overnight.

Step 4

Remove the starfish, and place it on a paper towel. Move it to a warm, sunny location.

Step 5

Allow the starfish to dry completely in the sun for at least one day.

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