A Comprehensive Site For Boyds Bearstones

Reference/Value Guide & Secondary Market Resource

Bearstones and other resins items from Boyds - They get dusty
even in a closed display cabinet! So, how should they be cleaned!

*Most stones that are displayed in a cabinet have light dust and
can be cleaned by using a makeup brush or feather duster.
There are a couple of cautions here. The fur is quite detailed
and the older the stone is the more brittle these fur ends become.
The brush or duster must be used with care so as not to snag a
fur end. Very lightly wisk at the stone.

If you have never cleaned your stones or resins, even though in a
cabinet you may have to proceed to the next step to provide an
adequate cleaning.

*Heavier soiled stones or other resins require more attention and
some stronger cleaning. There is some lightening of the dust that
can be done no matter what. First, try compressed air. You can find
this in the computer section of most stores. Owing to the varying
porosity of stones (use your judgment) you need to use the air in
a pattern and with the stone at least at a 90 degree angle (holding
the area to be clean vertically) or upside down. This keeps the
dust from returning to other parts of the stone. The pattern should
be of short bursts of air spray beginning with one edge working back
and forth to the opposite edge. This is akin to the same way one
paints a wall. In the deeper porous areas give it an extra shot.
We also suggest that you shine a bright light on the area being
cleaned so you can actually see if you are doing any good. If this
method works to any degree then it is going to be the best you will
be able to do cleaning it without going to options that may
compromise the integrity of the stone.

*Another method of cleaning that may be used is a soft bristled
computer vacuum. This method may cause some damage to the stone
if you are not extremely careful. We noted that the fur ends are
delicate and so are a number of other parts of various stones.
Running a brush vacuum over these areas may cause damage.
Again, your judgement is the best resource.

There is a general caution for these three methods. Some of the
stones or resins have sparkles and/or other highlights. These are
not necessarily firmly attached. This means there may be some loss
of this material.

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There are some REALLY NOT RECOMMENDED drastic measures
may be used to clean your stones or resins. And by this we mean
that you may remove paint, parts and color significantly from
the stone.

*First, water immersion. Use luke warm water with a mild dish soap
and immerse the stone for a period of time. Rinse thoroughly. Daub
carefully for major water and let air dry. This method probably will
dull the entire stone. Water is never recommended for use on any of
the resin pieces. This method may even loosen the glued on parts
and eventually they will come off.

*Second, dampened cotton tipped swab. Dampen with water and daub the
soiled area. Watch out for the cotton catching edges. This is a
really bad idea for fur, rough areas and intricate parts and pieces.
In tight corners use a toothpick with cotton wrapped around the tip.

*Third, rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Gummy film sometimes forms
on very dirty stones. This will not come off by any of the above
methods. An extremely drastic choice, because it eats glue and
paint along with the gooey film. This is a very excellent way to
clean your mouse though! (The computer mouse, not the kid's
white mice.)

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***The Bear Collector's BEST CHOICE***
Compressed Air.
For light jobs (cabinet stored stones), the makeup brush or small
feather duster may do the job, if you are careful.

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XXX--The Bear Collector's WORST CHOICE--XXX
Rolling a Standard Vacuum Cleaner
over the stones laid on the floor!

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