Saran Resin F-220 (Dow Chemical Company) dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone in resin: solvent ratios of 1:4 to 1:8 is used to coat natural soil clods. These undisturbed samples are then used to determine soil properties such as bulk density at various moisture conditions, water retention, and shrink-swell characteristics. They are also used for microscopic studies. As a coating material, saran has several advantages over paraffin. The saran solution is convenient to use in the field, and the coating is tough, flexible, and does not melt at temperatures used for determining soil water content.