Preservation Specialties, LLC, Charlotte, Michigan, is now the nationwide distributor of Innovative Polymers polyurethanes and silicones used in reproducing durable, life-like and artistically attractive models of large and small mammals, birds, fish and more.

Preservation Specialties was founded in 1988 by Peter J. Ocello, an award-winning taxidermist, sculptor and veterinary modelmaker.  Ocello, who has BS and MS degrees in Biological Sciences,  is a former Director of the Preservation and Research Education Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University.  With more than 31 years in the industry, he has created thousands of wildlife art pieces for sale and display and has built more than 55,000 anatomical models for veterinary education and training.

Ocello is a member of the Michigan and North Carolina Taxidermy Associations and a past member National Taxidermy Association.  He is a contributing author to TAXIDERMY TODAY Magazine, providing information about new materials and methods that can help taxidermists improve their preservation and artistic skills.

Among the leading edge products Ocello is working with are Innovative Polymers Shore D Polyurethanes including:

• IE-3030 polyurethane white polyurethane has a water-like mixed viscosity that facilitates production of void-free castings with excellent reproduction of detail.  The material sets and cures very quickly and produces impact resistant parts with good tensile strength and elongation.  It is ideal for molding fish and duck heads, duck feet, mammal noses, turkey heads and antler plates.  The polyurethane is also suitable for rotocast parts. 
• IE-3065 polyurethane is an easy to work with material designed to perform like body putties for building durable reinforcing jackets for the silicone molds used in casting taxidermy mannequins.  With its high strength, the product can significantly reduce the wall thickness required for mold supports.  Moreover, the polyurethane exhibits minimal shrinkage, resists cracking and chipping, and is virtually odorless.
• XT 493 Silicone is a sag-resistant, thixotropic material that is excellent for casting vertical surfaces such as trees, tree bark and limbs or rocks at thicknesses up to ¼ inch.  The tough silicone can also be used for reinforcing RTV silicone molds.  With a paste-like consistency, the silicone is still easy to mix and spread.

For more information about Innovative Polymers taxidermy products, contact:  Peter Ocello, Preservation Specialties, 4392 Otto Road, Charlotte, Michigan  48813, 517-543-8213, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .