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A Formula for Homemade Botany Paste

Submitted by Tim Dolan

Ingredients:

903 ml toluene
184 ml methanol
50 grams resin (Dow - Methyl styrene)
250 grams Ethocel (Ethyl cellulose)

Mixing should be performed in a laboratory fume hood, wearing the appropriate safety equipment (lab coat, gloves, eye/face protection etc.).

  • Add the toluene and methanol in a large glass jug and shake to mix.
  • Add a small amount of this toluene/methanol mixture to a beaker containing the weighed resin and stir well to dissolve all of the resin.
  • Pour this mixture into the jug containing the rest of the toluene/ methanol mixture and shake to mix.
  • Add the Ethocel and shake or roll the jug to mix well.
  • Wait 24 hours before using paste, and if needed, add a little more toluene to thin.

The paste should be dispensed in a well-ventilated environment,with the aid of an oil squirt gun available from automotive shops.

Reference:

Rollins, Reed C. 1955. The Archer method for mounting herbarium specimens. Rhodora 57: 294-299.


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