Plastination Arts

Taxidermist in Tucson, Arizona

(520) 404-6957712 E 46th St, Tucson, AZ 85713View on Yelp
Plastination Arts - taxidermy in Tucson, AZ

About Plastination Arts

Plastination Arts in Tucson, Arizona occupies a genuinely different corner of the preservation world. Rather than traditional taxidermy, plastination replaces organic fluids in biological specimens with hardened polymers, creating durable, odorless displays used by museums, educational institutions, and collectors. Tucson's strong ties to the University of Arizona and its natural history community make it a fitting home for a studio doing this kind of specialized work. If you're looking for something beyond a conventional mount, this is a provider worth contacting at (520) 404-6957.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Plastination is a preservation technique that produces specimens unlike anything traditional taxidermy creates. The process involves dehydrating biological tissue, then forcing a curable polymer into the cellular structure under vacuum pressure. The result is a rigid, permanent specimen that can be handled and displayed without decay or odor. This method is particularly valuable for anatomical cross-sections, skeletal articulations, and educational displays where internal structures need to be visible. Museums, veterinary schools, biology departments, and natural history collections are among the most common clients for this type of work.

Service Area

Plastination Arts operates out of Tucson, Arizona, and serves clients well beyond the immediate metro area. Given the specialized nature of the work, clients come from universities, natural history museums, and research institutions across the Southwest and beyond. Tucson's central location in southern Arizona makes it a reasonable destination for institutions in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and even neighboring states seeking this type of specimen preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is plastination and how is it different from taxidermy?
Plastination replaces water and fat in biological tissue with curable plastics, resulting in a hard, permanent specimen that won't decay. Traditional taxidermy preserves the outer appearance of an animal by mounting the skin over an artificial form. Plastination is more commonly used for scientific and educational purposes where internal anatomy or durability is the priority.
What kinds of specimens can be plastinated?
Almost any biological specimen can undergo the process, including whole animals, organs, cross-sections, and skeletal structures. The technique works on reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds. Specimen size and the desired end use will determine the specific methods and polymers applied.
Who typically uses plastinated specimens?
Universities, veterinary schools, natural history museums, and biology departments are the most frequent clients. Collectors with an interest in scientific or unusual displays also seek out plastination work. It's also used in medical training facilities where durable anatomical models are needed.
How long does the plastination process take?
Timelines vary significantly depending on specimen size and complexity. Small specimens might be completed in a few weeks, while larger or more intricate projects can take several months. The multi-stage process, which includes dehydration, forced impregnation, and curing, can't be rushed without compromising quality.
Is a plastinated specimen safe to handle and display in public settings?
Yes. Once cured, plastinated specimens are odorless, non-toxic, and stable at room temperature. They can be handled repeatedly without degrading, which is one reason educational institutions value them. No special storage conditions like refrigeration or sealed cases are required.
Can plastination be done on a pet or personally meaningful animal?
It's possible, and some pet owners choose plastination as a unique form of preservation. This is a personal decision, and it's worth having a direct conversation with the studio about what the process entails and what the finished result will look like. Call (520) 404-6957 to discuss whether it's the right fit for your situation.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Tucson, AZ →All taxidermists in Arizona →Browse all states →