Antler Restoration

[MYSTIKBOW]

I'm looking for some info. on what to use to rebuild/restore antlers that have been damaged or eaten by rodents. Awhile back sombody had posted some before and after pics of shed antlers that they had found and reconstructed. I did a search of the sheds threads but came up empty handed.
Can anyone tell me what the best material is to use to restore/rebuild damaged antlers? Thanks

JOHN

[woodchucker]

I have seen Doc (tippit) use "super glue" as a finish on old weathered cow bones that he found.

Makes them look "brand new"    

[Rufus]

Try some tung oil if see if that will bring some color back.

[wapiti792]

Well I don't have any pics but my uncle taught me to use epoxy built around the "bad" antler tip, sprayed with clear coat then roughed up to look like the other antlers with a rasp. I will do my best to come up with some pics. He's a master at it, and he always asks his customers if they want a broken or chipped tine fixed. All of my mounts get surgically enhanced if they have a broken or chipped tine:)

[Shawn Leonard]

PM Curt(Guru) or another taxadermist. I am sure they will know, I shot an 8pt. as a kid that was missing the G-2 on the right side, i actually found 2" of the tip end but not the rest of the 4"s that lead to the main beam. The tax. was able to make some out of some type of resin and it matched perfectly. Shawn

[MYSTIKBOW]

I probably should have worded this thread a little better.  What I'm looking for is info. on how to rebuild broken,missing or chewed up antlers.

Shawn, Thanks man. I completely forgot about asking Curt. Thats exactly the info. I'm  interested in. Reconstructing missing /broken pieces of antler.
Any other info. or pics from others would be greatly appreciated.

[pronghorn23]

http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/01001081/

I've used it when I was doing taxidermy. It's very easy to use and good results.

[pronghorn23]

Oh I forgot..you'll need antler stain too. Probably available from there too. I think you can use Old English furniture polish too... a little cheaper.

[heydeerman]

I have used tung oil on antler handle knives. It brings out character in the antler not seen before. It penetrates and seals for life. 2-3 hand rubbed applications should do it.

[MYSTIKBOW]

pronghorn23,
Thanks. That just might be what I'm lookin for.
As far as stain, yup, old english works good.

[coaltroll]

I have been able to reform points on some of the sheds we have found. I have used Bondo from auto body shops, to form the point. If you have enough base left you can put a screw or heavy wire in before you start adding bondo and shaping. Once the shaping is done you will want to texture and when it gets cured real good then I mixed some wood stain. Just played with it till I got it right, testing on old pieces of antler till I got the color I wanted then apply sparingly. On the wall it looks pretty good, If in your hand and you know what to look for you will see where the new point was added. Also note that all I have ever done this on was elk antlers.

[tippit]

My super glue technic is only to stablize old bone for knife handles not to really restore antlers to original look.  But if you got some old antlers to send for a knife that's another story    :D  Doc

[MYSTIKBOW]

ttt

[Mike Orton]

Some of the deer/elk I've shot over the years needed more antlers too....be interesting to see if we can add points or evevn find an antler stretcher....saw one on Eb@y once but got outbid

 

[BigRonHuntAlot]

Originally posted by Mike Orton:
Some of the deer/elk I've shot over the years needed more antlers too....be interesting to see if we can add points or evevn find an antler stretcher....saw one on Eb@y once but got outbid

   

LOL Mike , That's Funny... But True for all of Us.

[Mike Orton]

[zinndl]

Here are a few links about antler repair, there are different ways to do it. I have did it for a few customers but I don't care for it; repairing the antler isin't so bad but matching colors can be difficult.


http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,4458.0.html

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,15486.0.html

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,17443.0.html

[MYSTIKBOW]

Zinndl,  Thanks brother. Thats the ticket right there.

[JOKER]

I have repaired some points and they do take time and some artistic ability to get the texture and color right. If you research it on taxidermy.net and practice some you should be able to get them to look good. If they are done right you almost can't tell they have been repaired. Here is one I did.
Befor:

[JOKER]

And After: