First euro in peroxide right now

[blindluck]

I used a full 2 gallons to fill that bucket. I still think letting it soak in the peroxide helped whiten all the nooks and crannies, but I think that letting it sit in a shallower bath and brushing on the developer for the top and eye sockets worked well too, and it wouldn't be nearly as expensive.

After a week of drying or so now, the head has whitened substantially and looks awesome! I'm very happy with it. I am in the process of putting together a plaque from some old weathered cedar boards I had laying around. I think it will look really good when its done.

I went to target and bought what they call a shoe box, it's clear plastic, fits a deer head perfectly then fill up two or three ziplock bags with water to take up space, you will only need roughly 1/2 gal of peroxide or developer.

[7mmfan]

So i'm bringing this back up to get some input. The skull looked fantastic, still does really. However i've noticed that in the last week or so its started to yellow. I'm assuming this is because it wasn't degreased enough. Being my first one, I thought I had done a sufficient job, clearly not.

My question is, can I put this thing back in warm soapy water to continue degreasing at this point without damaging the skull? I'm assuming its fine, but I thought I would check first. Also, how long should I let it soak to properly degrease? I picked up an aquariam heater from a friend so I can keep the water at whatever the appropriate temperature is for as long as I need.

Any input is appreciated.

[blindluck]

You can degrease as long as it takes, I have skulls that have been in hot soapy water for the two months. Putting it back in the water now is fine. You should degrease at 115-120 degrees, it could take a few more months.

[7mmfan]

Wow alright, guess I'd better get on it. Anything other than soap that I can add to the water to facilitate the process?

[blindluck]

you can add a cup or two of ammonia in your heated water, they say that helps break down the grease and fats in the bone. I think it just takes time. All skulls seem different, I have a couple beaver and otter degreasing now. The beaver are kinda off white where the otters are blinding white.

[gunnarnewt]

very nice! 

[Crunchy]

To piggy back on this thread.  I need to figure out how to touch up my elk antlers for my euro.  They were bleached out some last summer when I left them outside in the weather during the maceration process.  I have heard to use stain, shoe polish but want to make sure I don't screw this part up.  Is there a consensus?

[Jingles]

What does everyone do once the skull is whitened and dried to seal them? I've read of matte finish polyurethane, or spar varnish, etc... I'd also like to keep the bark and junk at the base of the horns, do you think coating it with either of the above would work?

Guess you could do like the Texas skullery does and carve them