how do you dye antler?

hey friend, dont know what kind of antler ya are talking about, but for deer antler it is rather easy. never used stains like for wood although i would imagine it would work if you had the right mixture and wiped it down, but several taxidermy supply stores offer some sort of antler dye to repair mounts/sheds etc. Also know of some taxidermist personally who paint the antler and use a dry cloth to "clean it up" after they apply the spray.
 
A customer once told me the best amber stag came from rudof the raindeer.
He said" You know... it's because of his red nose";) :D
 
Potasium permanginate is the traditional method (disolve a few crystals in water and either paint on or soak antler in it, plastic bag works good). Very strong tea also works. Be wary of leather and timber dyes as thy can penetrate very deep and end up wierd colors ie; some browns are red based and you will end up with pink antler when you grind thru the bark.

peter
 
Fiebings leather dye works real well on antler. Be sure to clean and degrease the antler first. Really soak with the dye and let it sit in the sun and dry very well. I will usually give it a day or so before using. Try some test pieces with dark brown, medium brown and see what you like. When the dye has dried it will still tend to rub off, so use Danish oil or Tung oil as a sealer.
 
I use alot of elk and I burn it while buffing. Gives a good contrast of light, medium and dark browns.
Scott
 
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