Help - Dying Bone

S

Steve L

Joined
Apr 23, 2001
Messages
16
I'm trying to die some bone handle material red and not having much luck. Used a few hair dyes with stabilizer, but no luck so far. Any ideas?


Thanks in advance.

Steve
 
If you have stabilized it, you may not be able to dye it now. Try an Analine dye.
 
If you used the Minwax wood hardener,you could try mixing analine wood dye with acetone (i dont know if its soluble in acetone) all you can do is mix the dye in whatever the solvent base is of your hardener and then again it may not penetrate all that well (especially for red it might turn pink. All I use is analine dye its alcohol based and you have to use it before you stabilize.
 
Steve,

I must note that analine is very UV sensitive. ( I worked in a custom furnature shop for years ) I have a table finished in red analine that receives minimal sunlight and has turned a rather unflattering pink in about 18 months.

My $.02,

LeSoleilNoir
 
If you slow boil the bone after sizing down some and having been cleaned by boiling in T.S.P. and water, using Rit scarlet colored dye you will get a nice red in the grain of the bone. Some colors of Rit do not give what you think they may. A red leather dye will probably work if you let the bone soak for 5 or 6 hours. This has to be done before any stabilizing . Frank Niro
 
I like Ritz "cardinal red" for red. As Frank hinted, slow boil or actually simmer for a couple of hours. Leave it in the pot overnight, do it again the next day for 2 hours. It also doesn't hurt to wax or oil bone. Use ren wax or neutral shoe polish. A very light coating of 3-in-1 oil or whatever you have available, even ATF works too.

C Wilkins
 
Wanted to share a little trick my Dad taught me when antlers have white washed from age. (Warning kindda messy) Go to store and buy a container of chicken livers.
1. clean the antler
2. take a couple of the livers and start rubbing them onto the bone
until its completely saturated
3. let sit a few hours and repeat #2
4. repeat #3 about 3 to 4 times

that's all you have to do, and it will make the bone look like natural, and it will last a long time.
 
Lady Colt. It sounds like your dad knew his way around the natural world. Please keep on sharing these kind of thoughts. Welcome to blade forms!
 
Ed,
Thank you for the warm welcoming, and your right, my Dad know's his way in the woods. I am very fortunate that he taught me all he knows, I was 6 weeks old on my first hunting trip and have been hooked ever since lol. My dad took me everywhere, when he'd leave, he say "Come on Pauline, lets go". Maybe if more Fathers did that today, they'd become respectful adults and get into less trouble. I believe that if they where taught to hunt and fish as I was, they'd learn respect for living things as well as fully understand what a gun does and the consequences of pulling the trigger. sorry ranting I am sick of the anti-gun s**t particularly because I am in CA.
 
Pauline: It sounds like your father did everything right. He was both lucky to have you for a daughter, who could appreciate what he had to offer, and very knowledgable in raising a daughter. You were lucky to have him as a father and can be proud that through you his knowledge will remain available to those who can appreciate it.
 
Lady Colt
Some wise words about beging raisedto enjoy the outdoors
I am only 31 and I was raised in the outdoors and I am glade I was
My sons or daughters will be raised the same,The outdoors is what got me into knife making the love of the hunt,and using the tools you have created.I don't think there is anything better,besides seeing
Heaven,Sorry I got of the topic,I too am interested in trying some bone dyeing myself.><>:D
 
Nathan,
I completly agree with ya. I am only 25, and when I'm around people my age I usually can't stand them. I get very irritated at their absolute lack of morals and decency. Anyway I like my Dad's way the best because it's easy, and most importantly its natural, you wouldn't know the difference between a natural and a "liver" treated bone. take care
 
Most of us ndns use one of the instant teas with lemon added to dye hair pipe bone beads for dance bandoliers a darker color. Use some lemon juice or vinegar in whatever you're using to dye the bone as the mild acid helps the dye to penetrate better.
 
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