antiquing euro skulls

[hardhorn]

I asked this question in the taxidermy forum but am not sure if a lot of guys get over there much. I have heard of antiquing euro skulls, which I am told involves rubbing black onto the skull to enhance the cracks and crevices. Then you leave the skull a more natural bone color than the usual white euro skull. If nobody has done this, does anybody have a suggestion to get this look?

 

[heartshot]

Good question hardhorn.

I would like to know more about this also.

Anyone?

 

[Pooner]

Ya me too if you find something out let us know, also lets see some pictures

 

[hardhorn]

I was told it was a type of graphite to get the darkened look. I've got a good buck I want to try it on, but don't want to mess it up. Maybe I'll try it on one of the smaller ones this weekend.

 

[smitty]

I've done it with a few skulls. They work better if they have been bleached white.

I lightly spray the skull with a lacquer sealer, cover all the bone, let it dry and then I use a lacquer based glaze/stain, (I use van dyke brown from sherwinn williams) I either pour or dunk the skull in the glaze, you gotta make sure to get all the skull covered or it will look bad, the nasal passages will come out rather dark. Pour off the remaining glaze, then take a rag and wipe the skull clean, removing the glaze as you see fit. The glaze will highlight the fissures in the skull, and crevices and creases, the teeth, any holes for nerves, vessels etc.....

To finish it off I spray a couple coats of a rubbed effect lacquer to seal the glaze.

I think they turn out really well if you take your time. I'd post some pics but I've either sold or mounted my skulls that I've done.

 

[adamsoa]

I'd love to see a pic of that

 

[ISthatBig]

Hey Hardhorn. Why don't you post some pictures of that "little buck" you shot last week. I wouldn't worry too much about the euro cause you know its going to be mounted and shown off next to your other "little deer"