Preparing fossils is a science and an art! If you go to TheFossilForum.com (sidebar link) there is a whole forum for preparing fossils. My experience is strictly trial and error by an AMATEUR! But hey, you gotta start somewhere! 😀
As I share my adventures, and mis-adventures, in prepping fossils, I will try to remember to link them here. Or check the tags and categories, because some may not warrant being posted here but may still help you.
An EXCELLENT source of information is the Fossil Preparation forum on thefossilforum.com another one is The DryDredgers site.
$4 Lighted Magnification Visor
My $50 Prep Table and Wash Area