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We have a project that involves imaging tissue sections mounted in
home-made Mowiol (PVA) mounting medium.  The coverslip is held away from
the slide with an adhesive spacer, the aperture in the spacer filled with
tissue and medium, and a coverslip applied.

These work great for about a month.  After that, we notice more and more
often bubbles appearing in the mounting medium. These are mostly around the
edge and immediately under the coverslip.

We've tried sealing with nail polish.  This seems to have little effect on
the rate or the extent of bubble formation.

My theory is that the PVA is shrinking and pulling away from the coverslip
and spacer.  If that's the case (or if not) is there a way to prevent
this?  Would another sealing material do the job better? Any tips or tricks
out there?

Thanks,
Rusty Nicovich