Recipes for Dyes

[jhiggins]

I was wondering if any of you know a good old-timey recipe for dying deer antler. I am looking for a nice deep rich brown. I was thinking of maybe just using some Fiebings... any-ya-yous guys ever do dat?

 

[Robert Dark]

I saw a thread the other day where Terry Primos used regular old food coloring and vinegar (like dying Easter eggs).

He was dying some antler a reddish color.

Robert

 

[Sweany]

shoe polish

 

[Hot&CoaledForge]

Here's a thread for you, Jeff:
http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22207&highlight=coloring+antler

- Jim

 

[primos]

I saw a thread the other day where Terry Primos used regular old food coloring and vinegar (like dying Easter eggs).

He was dying some antler a reddish color.

Robert

Sounds interesting, but it wasn't me. I don't want to get credit for somebody else's idea. The things I have used at one time or another were shoe polish, leather dye, and potassium permanganate.

 

[jhiggins]

Here's a thread for you, Jeff:
http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22207&highlight=coloring+antler

- Jim

Thanks, Jim. I saw that thread when it first started, but did not see it when Chuck replied. He's a font of knowledge about dyes and stuff.

Sweany...

Think I should spit shine that antler if I use the show polish?

 

[Robert Dark]

Sounds interesting, but it wasn't me. I don't want to get credit for somebody else's idea. The things I have used at one time or another were shoe polish, leather dye, and potassium permanganate.

OOPS !!!!! Sorry about that Terry.......... It was the "Goo".

HERE

When you get my age, everything seems to run together.

My apologies Sir.....In the future, I will try to have my facts straight before posting.

Robert

 

[Gossman Knives]

When I was doing taxidermy, my taxidermy suppiers sold saddle stain for dying antlers. I used it and works good. Fiebings was the one I used.
Scott

 

[Wild Rose]

As noted in the link my first choice, although NOT old timey is Fiebings Leather dye. After some 30+ years of dying antler I have found nothing that works better, some come close, but never better.

Some folks will suggest Potassium Permanganate, which is technically not a dye but is rather an oxidant. But after years of trying it and doing followup and talking with others I have found it has just too many long term problems. If not properly neutralized it will turn the antler ratty looking and often turns it a sort of sickly green - not nice! :barf:

For some real old time recipes used on cow horn check the following out-http://members.tripod.com/~shoot7/madmonk.html
Although antler is a different animal altogether than horn these may be worth a try.

 

[primos]

OOPS !!!!! Sorry about that Terry.......... It was the "Goo".

HERE

When you get my age, everything seems to run together.

My apologies Sir.....In the future, I will try to have my facts straight before posting.

Robert

No problem Robert. Confusing me with Tai Goo is an honor. Wonder how I missed that thread?