How to Polish Abalone Shells to Perfection

Abalone shells are beautiful shells that come from edible sea snails. These shells have an inner lining, or nacre, which is iridescent and gives them a beautiful pearly glow. Abalone shells are used to make buttons, jewels, furniture inlays and accents in guitars

Things You Will Need

Abalone shells
Clear nail polish
1/2 inch paint brush
Face mask
Small bowl
Soft toothbrush
Muriatic Acid
Tongs
Plastic Garbage Bag
Hose
Water
Bucket
Soft cloth

Step 1

Soak the abalone shells in a bucket filled with water. Soak for several days to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft toothbrush to remove grime. Dry the shells with the soft cloth. Prepping the shells properly is important to polish abalone shells to perfection.

Step 2

Working in a well ventilated area, put on a face mask and gloves. Put the shells in the bucket. Pour a small amount of muriatic acid in the bucket to just cover the shells. Leave the abalone shells in the acid bath for about 10 seconds.

Step 3

Remove the shells with tongs and place them on a plastic garbage bag. Spray the shells with water. Shift the position with the tongs so the shells are thoroughly rinsed. Allow time for the shells to dry thoroughly.

Step 4

Pour the clear nail polish into a small bowl. Using a clear polish will help bring out the beauty fo the nacre and will polish the abalone shells to perfection.

Step 5

Using the 1/2 inch paint brush, paint the abalone shell with the clear nail polish. Use the smaller brush the nail polish came with to paint tiny crevices in the shell.

Step 6

Allow the abalone shell time to air dry. The result will be a shiny, polished abalone shell.

If you prefer not to paint the shell with nail polish you can rub mineral oil into the shell instead to get a nice luster. This will have to be repeated every few weeks.

Tips & Warnings

Do not leave the shells in the acid bath for longer than 15 minute or you could damage them.

Muriatic acid can be very dangerous. Wear rubber gloves and a mask and work in a well ventilated area.

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