On Monday, October 2, 2017 at 11:39:51 AM UTC-4, JBI wrote:
I just wanted to update since I sealed all dome bases with the shellac.
Once I had fans no longer running (to either help dry the dome bases or
for other reasons), within a short time, I could start smelling the moth
balls. I didn't think it was too bad until I was out of the house for
much of the past weekend. When I arrived home, upon opening the door
and entering the house, the smell was overwhelming.

I am disappointed. I carefully coated all bases with at least two coats
of shellac. My guess is that the mothball gases still somehow penetrate
the silicone seal of glass dome to wooden base, or because I couldn't
seal with shellac any wood under the glass dome, perhaps the gas gets
through there too, but originally I thought the outer sealing would stop
it. I guess I only have two choices: 1) cut silicone seals to be able
to open the domes and remove the moth ball bags, then reseal without
moth balls, or, 2) place the complete dome as it is now in a larger,
sealable container. My local Walmart has some large acrylic jars with a
lockable seal. Problem is that, for the size I'd need, they're
expensive. I'm probably going to go with the first option above.

Thanks again for all those who tried to help. I guess it's just not
going to work out this way.


Aren't there any forums for folks like yourself, i.e. hobbyist entomologists?

Perhaps the problem isn't the wood, maybe it's the mothballs. Have you checked with
other groups as far as what they do to accomplish their display/preservation needs?