Dying and stabilising giraffe bone.

[sctt reynolds]

Hi would like some advice on dying and stabilising giraffe bone scales.
I have just taken delivery of 4 giraffe bones and have cut them into scales.
I have a vacuum setup to stabilise using cactus juice.
I have some Alumilite dyes. I have put a batch down putting 20 drops of dye in 375ml of cactus juice.
Every thing looked a nice dark colour but when finished it was a very washed out a temp at dying .
What advice can anyone give me .
Is there another way to dye and the stabilise or do I just need to add more dye to the cactus juice.
Thanks for your help. Scott

 

[Tom Lewis]

I would also like an answer to your question. Years ago, I bought a giraffe leg bone thinking I could have it dyed and stabilized and have a product comparable to what the South African giraffe bone sellers have at the Blade Show.
I sent a set of scales to a professional stabilizer, (NOT K&G) I talked with this person and asked for a black color. I was assured he could do it. The scales came back a yukky grey. As far as I am concerned, they are ruined.
Back then K&G would not color giraffe leg bones. I spoke with the K&G owner and he said I could dye it myself. He said to get some dye (K&G did sell the dye) put the bone in a jar with the liquid dye heat it up to boiling, put the lid on and take the jar out and let cool. I never tried this, but that's what I remember being told.
K&G may dye and stabilize the giraffe bone now. I don't know.
K&G is the only professional stabilizer I trust.