For my older seeds, and ones with a tough shell, I soak the seeds in MegaGrow. (gibrellic acid)
I just mix the GA and water in a spice bottle (a medicine bottle would do) and add seeds. I then wait till the seeds sink (usually, I check the next day for "sinkers") then transfer them to the wet paper towel inside a closed baggie, to continue germination. I keep the baggie closed, because at this point, drying-out will kill the seeds, and I replace the ph-adjusted water daily.