Shine look on antlers???

[coachcw]

plus wd40 smells great !

[boneaddict]

almost as good as Hoppes9


Fairchase, I ABSOLUTELY hate that look, and assure you WD works great.   

[Bean Counter]

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.

Bone, how many years have you been using WD-40? Any concerns that over time it might be disolving away the antler over time?

[boneaddict]

I use so little, no concerns so far.   probably 25 years or so.   I bought an actual antler conditioner from Research man or Mckenzies and I think it must dang near be the same stuff.   I am VERY careful not to get any on the hair

[mtndew]

I am a big fan of the mop and glow!

[Jason]

Once a year I hit the few horns I have on the walls with Bee's Wax.

[daydreamn]

There is little to no NATURAL shine on any antlers I've ever seen.

[sirmissalot]

I use nothing other than a swifter duster every once and a while. Not a fan of shiny horns.

[Mr Mykiss]

Along these same lines. I have a set of horns that I stripped off a bunch of velvet and what was under the velvet is now BRIGHT WHITE. You think a little WD-40 would lend a little consistency to the color of my horns?
PS: Once the velvet is off you can't put it back on so that ship has sailed...

[boneaddict]

No, it does not add color.   There is at least one staining method which I approve, as I hate varnished or stained antlers.  I'd suggest you try it on a shed or something not important to you.   Its essentially using a minwax product and then applying mud to the antlers, then steel wool.   The antlers come out looking extremely natural.   Again, I do not like the stained or varnished look.   I need to do a how to one of these days on this method.   Maybe in one of our future huntwa magazines.

[PolarBear]

I shoot a clear matte finish on all my skulls and antlers.  It gives them a nice satin look, seals and protects.  I get it at the crafts store.  It is non yellowing.  It does a great job of sealing the skulls so dust and dirt won't stain it.  It also makes it much easier to dust.  I have been doing this for 20 years and they look as clean and white as the day that I did them.   

[Seabeckian]

I shoot a clear matte finish on all my skulls and antlers.  It gives them a nice satin look, seals and protects.  I get it at the crafts store.  It is non yellowing.  It does a great job of sealing the skulls so dust and dirt won't stain it.  It also makes it much easier to dust.  I have been doing this for 20 years and they look as clean and white as the day that I did them.   

I do the same thing. The matte gives it that little bit of gloss that makes it look perfect (I hate unnaturally shinny antlers) and makes cleaning easier. Also you don't have to do it every year, just keep them clean and maybe a little periodic Old English. Its a little pricey per quart, but it goes a long ways. I even do my sheds.