Shine look on antlers???

[MuleyJam]

Hey I have a question for you guys, I have a little taxidermy hobby I do skins and European mounts for my friend's and this year he asked if I could gloss the antlers to give it that natural shine look... What should I put on the antlers??

[washelkhunter]

Why antler wax of course.   

[bugs n bones]

Future floor wax or mop and glo

[Michelle_Nelson]

I use Old English oil.  It comes in dark and light wood.  The color of the antlers will determin what color you want to use.  Though you really can't go wrong with the light.  Just wipe it on and let it set for an hour or so (do not get it on the skull) and than wipe it off read good with a dry rag. 

[HornHoarder]

linseed oil, or is it lindseed oil 

[MuleyJam]

I tried the linseed oil method it seemed to take more than one coat and got really sticky and doesn't want to dry.

[MuleyJam]

I use Old English oil.  It comes in dark and light wood.  The color of the antlers will determin what color you want to use.  Though you really can't go wrong with the light.  Just wipe it on and let it set for an hour or so (do not get it on the skull) and than wipe it off read good with a dry rag.

Why wipe off??

[boneaddict]

It will look completely unnatural if you don't.  I use WD-40

[GoldTip]

A light coat of 10w40, preferably Pennzoil, no, no make that Quaker state.  Run over it with a dry towel.

[Maverick]

How long will wd40 last?

[boneaddict]

Seems like I do it every 6 mos or so.   It keeps them looking healthy.   Its light enough that it doesn't "attract" dirt or stain your antlers.  It reconditions the wood that is stuck in the burrs and makes them appear rich and dark or enhances the natural color versus changing the color.   I really like it.

[Maverick]

I have some sheds ill try that on!

[fair-chase]

Seems like I do it every 6 mos or so.   It keeps them looking healthy.   Its light enough that it doesn't "attract" dirt or stain your antlers.  It reconditions the wood that is stuck in the burrs and makes them appear rich and dark or enhances the natural color versus changing the color.   I really like it.

Hmm, Interesting.

My father has what could have been an exceptional muley european mount, that unfortunately had a ghastly amount of varnish applied to the antlers. It looks completely unnatural, tacky, and shinier than a new penny. I'm talking put on your sun glasses when you enter the room kind of glare coming off these cursed things.  Growing up I always despised this abomination of a euro. Possibly due to some deep seeded angst that it was bigger than any of mine, but I will maintain that it was the eye blistering shine.  Therefore, to avoid this catastrophe form happening to my mounts, I have always left them "dry". Now they aren't to the point of sun bleached, but they definitely could use some maintenance...I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks. It's nice to know that there may be a happy medium between gouge your eyes out polished and talcum powder dry.   

[elkaholic123]

Mop and glow, best thing there is.

[Maverick]

Fair chase I've seen racks like your describing and they look terrible!