Antler bleaching?

Hankins

Hankins

Joined
Dec 7, 2008
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Want to Whiten some old antler before doing a dye test. Trying to get somewhat consistant white and don't want to wait a year or so while it sits in the sun...
Suggestions...?
 
I use hydrogen peroxide to whiten deer bones it may work on antler. I tried bleach on bone and it started to break it down and turn chalky.

Bob
 
Sunlight will hasten the bleaching process after the peroxide.
 
Well took a few pics to show the results of my limited experiment.
These are two halves from the same piece.
Before pics show the crud on the outside.
Tried Vinegar on the left one and Peroxide on the Right.
Peroxide worked the best... Vinegar made it slimey and very little to no color change. Both area's of Pith were the same color prior to this.
Although it is hard to see (Crappy Pics) there is a substancial difference in color on the outside now. Ths crud came off easily after a few hours with a toothbrush. Use someone else's if you don't have a spare :D
Tried Bleach as well and it was eating the Antler slightly. Turned a Chaulky White after drying.
Will try Bill's suggestion Peroxide a couple Handle sized piece's...
One goes in the Sun One stays inside
We will give it a month and see what the difference is...
Patience grasshopper!
 

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Cool experiment RH. What percentage of H202 did you use? Keep the findings coming. Thanks!
 
This was a 16% from a Beauty supply store...
The next ones will be done in OTC 3% with the Antler getting pre-heated in the microwave for 35secs or so.
 
Place the scales in a clear glass or plastic jar. Seal it, and put the jar in sunlight.
 
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