Antler staining/refurbishing

[NVbowhnter]

Anyone stained/refurbished old,cracked antlers? I was looking for some pointers on refurbishing the dead head I found last weekend(in the "171-173 hunt pics in the NV forum),Anyone have any pointers?

 

[ando_31]

It would take some effort, but a taxi told me to rub the antlers on tree/brush that the animal would have used to get back the natural color. I tried it on a small deer shed in my back yard and it turned the antler green. I suppose had I used a tree that the buck would have used as a rubbing tree it would have worked. I would try it on a test antler first. Assuming it works, I would imagine it would be easier having some of the brush in your hand and rubbing that against the antlers instead of rubbing the antlers on the brush. If it does work, then I'd imagine it would be the most natural looking way to refurbish a set of antlers.

I personally like the white look over some of the stains I've seen. A bad stain job can ruin the visual appeal of the antlers.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I've used antler stain given to me by my taxidermist, and I've used regular wood stain. Wood stain has given me the best color with the easiest application. Just don't start too dark, because you can't turn them light again. If unsure, thin the stain before applying. If it's not dark enough, use less thinner. Use a rag on the upper antler, and an old toothbrush around the gnarly bases. Often, the antlers will take a sheen from the stain. If you don't like the sheen, rub some dirt on the antlers by hand or with the toothbrush. One last thing, you'll have to use a little lighter stain on the weathered sides of the antler, as they are more likely to take the stain a little darker. Best of luck.

 

[NVbowhnter]

Thanks guy,ill post a picture of the finished product.

 

[JasonGNV]

I know my taxi buddy has done several refurbish/repairs.He does the wood stain also and uses some sort of bon do material for the dry cracking/crackle you find on older sheds. Not sure on the type of bon do, he says its very time consuming tho.

 

[AT Hiker]

I use potassium permanganate to "darken" sheds and antlers that are bleached but not too dry. If I have to rebuild the antler with an epoxy then I use oil based paint, which can be tricky to use because you need to match the colors.

 

[lookinforwater]

If you get on taxidermy.net there is a really good forum.

 

[NVbowhnter]

Thanks again guys! I really appreciate the pointers! they are in rough shape and ill post a finished product.

 

[Sawfish]

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When making a European mount, the base of the antler sometimes dips into the boiling/bleaching solution, which causes it to bleach out. I have used regular shoe polish (wax-not liquid) to recolor the antler. Most can be recolored with just tan, using one or two applications with a tooth brush, and wiping down with a rag. Use a flat spray polyurethane to color a bleached skull. Gives it a nice ivory color.