ANTLER STAIN

hunter_614 · Apr 27, 2015

I know this is a recurring question but I could only find one post that gave a stain for old sheds and they looked great on the Elk. DW was the provider I believe. Has anyone else got any alternative stains to the walnut Eco Stain that they like on deer? I plan on trying this one, but wanted to grab a couple while at the store and compare them.

nontypical · Apr 27, 2015

Mud works better than anything on hard white antlers, IMO. I've tried many different stains, and mud looks more natural than anything. Wet aspen bark works nicely on elk antlers.

Wipe on the mud and work it into the antler. Keep rubbing it in until it flakes off. Cover every inch. Be especially diligent around the base where the antler is more gnarley. After it dries, brush off all the mud with a soft wire brush. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Wipe off all the dust with a damp cloth. This will also give you an idea of what the antler will look like after you spray it with the clear coat. If you don't like it, you can rub it all clean with water. Spray with a clear coat in a matte-type finish. This will define the differences in the antler much better.

Try it on antlers that you don't care about first.

Good luck!

hunter_614 · Apr 28, 2015

I will give that a try, thank you.

jd332001 · Apr 28, 2015

I rub horns with short needle pine to get cracks filled in and then use potassium permangante to stain them up. you need to be careful with the amount you put on them as it will darken them pretty fast. mix it with water and use a paint brush to apply to antlers. I did 6-7 year old cracked elk set this year and they turned out great. I bought the stuff on amazon and they shipped me a lot of it. I will never use it all in my lifetime!

hunter_614 · Apr 29, 2015

I read a thread elsewhere and a taxidermist said that Potassium is the professional's choice. I think I will give that a try as well. I will try the three and see which one turns out best. I have never heard of using pine to fill the cracks, do you just break off a young branch and start rubbing?

AZMIGHTYMULIES · May 2, 2015

I've tried many different things , things that are within there Natural Environment . Mud can work, but then you need to apply a sealant . What can be used as a Natural Color and Sealant ? Answer ..... Pine Sap !! Pine Sap works awesome !! Get some Pine Sap , Pine Sap that hasn't crystalized , but Sap that is fresh and clear . Get lots of it . Warm it up in a small pot until it liquifies . When it's liquified , you'll see color hues of Red's , Browns , and Dark Browns . Apply the liquified Sap on Antler and rub it into the antler . The Sap will easily fill in cracks and all . Let the sap cool and harden . Then take steel wool to the antler .
Warning , wear gloves .
P.S . I will soon be doing this method again on a set of Antlers . I'll present a Demo.

Dawgs · May 3, 2015

Good old mini-wax?

Dawgs · May 3, 2015

Those look darker than they are, I think?

monstermuleyhunter · May 4, 2015

I rub the antler in pine tar...let it sit a while....rub in some mud then seal with matt clear. I do find this can give them a slightly darker finish than a shed but fresh brown sheds are always a bit lighter than they are mid November. I then scuff with steel wool and sand paper.

"I'll see you all this coming fall in the Big Rock Candy Mountains!"

jd332001 · May 4, 2015

heres some picts of antlers I did.

before

after

sheehunter · Aug 21, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Aug-21-15 AT 03:16PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Aug-21-15 AT 11:56?AM (MST)

What shade of miniwax did you use? TIA
Dawn

Dawgs · Aug 21, 2015

Golden and red oak are what I have used mostly. Red mahogany gets antlers rather dark if you want that. I do sand them down and/or rub them down a bit. Light ends on tines don't hold color in the wild or in mini-wax world, so you don't mess the look up. I have stained a 100+ of these and happen to appreciate the ease and look of this approach. Golden oak is the best starting point. I do have "light" and dark antler stain I mix in occasionally.

sheehunter · Aug 22, 2015

LAST EDITED ON Aug-22-15 AT 01:38PM (MST)[p]Thanks i used the golden oak and they came out great.
Sheehunter (Dawn)

wildwillow · Sep 27, 2015

I like to stay with naturals such as bark myself because they tend to stay looking nice. Sometimes though it is easier to match a white antler to a fresh one with acrylic paints.