The story begins with me killing a nice whitetail buck several years back. I removed the skull and had it in my shop when it disappeared.
Fast forward to the next summer, and I find the skull and rack half buried in my wind-row. Thank you very much Mr. Labrador Retriever.
My question is how to restore the antlers to a dark "harvest" look, vs the bleached shed look.
I have heard of guys using shoe polish, wax etc. I have zero experience with this. What products or tricks do you guys with taxidermy experience use.
I would like to salvage the rack and mount it on a plaque.
Help?
Jeff
I had some horribly bleached elk antlers that I used wood stain on. Came out ok, but the antlers were old and porous. They came out pretty dark.
Give a taxidermist a call, they use a compound to do just what your talking about but I don't remember the name of it. Looks great when your done.
I think this is it:
http://wildantlercreations.com/wamfeedback.html
Mike
Not sure how all taxidermist do this, I was taught to use laq. based paints, dk brown first and then red brown, blot and wipe on with a paper towel[ go lightly], then wipe with a paper towel and laq. thinner until I get the shade I want, remember to fade out at the tips to keep a natuaral look. Todd
I sent you a PM.This is what I use exclusively now.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/HornRepair.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/HornRepair008.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/HornRepair024.jpg)
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/HornRepair056.jpg)