How to soften and unfold a dry and folded sea fan

[paul monfils]

Hi,

The alcohol treatment may soften the sea fan a bit, but probably not enough to unfold it and get it flat. Actually the only reason the alcohol would soften it at all is that the recommended alcohol contains 30% water. Stronger alcohol would soften it less. To soften it I would try a soak in water with a little liquid dish detergent added (not dishwasher detergent). It would go faster if the water was a little warm, but not hot.  When it regains its flexibility, unfold and flatten it, then hold it flat somehow until it dries.