Darkening Antlers

Stid2677

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Sep 13, 2012
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That treatment looks great, I really like it. Is that Caribou from the 40 mile herd? I'm planning a 2018 trip to AK and I'd really like to get a nice big one for myself and get one for my son. Mostly thinking North Slope, but trying to work through all the options.

Yes Sir, 40 mile hunt used 40 Mile Air.
 
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I've had good luck with oil based minwax stains on whitetail antlers. Don't remember exactly what color, but you can get a half pint for cheap and it will go a long way.
 

realunlucky

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Looks nice I'll be ordering some after Christmas. Thanks for following up with pictures

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realunlucky

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Finally got some ordered. Decided I had better try on some sheds first
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used muleys suggestion and used distilled water as mixing agent. Went on purple
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realunlucky

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Tried a chalky white to see the difference.
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The stain kinda looks dull on the chalky but read it can be buffed some with steel wool. I don't have any to try it.
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This one turned out much nicer and hadn't turned chalky yet.

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Stid2677

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Look at natural antlers, the tips are mostly polished white, I like to apply coloring uneven and go very light on the tips and polish some off. Green scratch cloth like you use on dishes works too.
 

realunlucky

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Yes Stid planning to keep tips light.
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Soaked these in the small stream but it all wouldn't fit under water at once so turned them daily. I'm not sure exactly how this all will blend together now but has to be better. I'll keep you guys posted.

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realunlucky

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Well finally got the nerve up to stain the caribou antlers. This is how they started
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realunlucky

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After coating these with potassium permanganate mixed with water. It didn't apply evenly so after a couple coats they are pretty dark
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realunlucky

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Really like the darker look more than the previous just stripped look.
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JLH208

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Mar 12, 2017
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Southern Idaho
I was planting a tree in my yard this weekend and was wondering if the compost I was using would stain antlers. Got it a little wet and rubbed it on, then took a little off with a wire brush and sand paper. Pretty happy with the results.
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- Jesse
 
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