Post by: MuleyJam on December 12, 2012, 12:58:26 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on December 12, 2012, 01:00:19 PM
Post by: bugs n bones on December 12, 2012, 01:01:45 PM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on December 12, 2012, 01:03:23 PM
Post by: HornHoarder on December 12, 2012, 01:04:14 PM
Post by: MuleyJam on December 12, 2012, 01:08:19 PM
Post by: MuleyJam on December 12, 2012, 01:08:54 PM
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??
Post by: boneaddict on December 12, 2012, 01:35:18 PM
Post by: GoldTip on December 12, 2012, 02:01:37 PM
Post by: Maverick on December 12, 2012, 03:13:12 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 12, 2012, 03:15:47 PM
Post by: Maverick on December 12, 2012, 03:29:11 PM
Post by: fair-chase on December 12, 2012, 03:51:49 PM
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. :chuckle: 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. :rolleyes: 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. :tup: :chuckle:
Post by: elkaholic123 on December 12, 2012, 04:30:33 PM
Post by: Maverick on December 12, 2012, 05:14:54 PM
Post by: coachcw on December 12, 2012, 05:27:42 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 12, 2012, 06:11:55 PM
Fairchase, I ABSOLUTELY hate that look, and assure you WD works great.
Post by: Bean Counter on December 12, 2012, 07:47:32 PM
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?
Post by: boneaddict on December 12, 2012, 07:55:30 PM
Post by: mtndew on December 12, 2012, 07:59:58 PM
Post by: Jason on December 12, 2012, 08:20:00 PM
Post by: daydreamn on December 12, 2012, 08:46:19 PM
Post by: sirmissalot on December 12, 2012, 09:07:54 PM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on December 15, 2012, 05:48:53 PM
PS: Once the velvet is off you can't put it back on so that ship has sailed...
Post by: boneaddict on December 16, 2012, 07:57:58 AM
Post by: PolarBear on December 16, 2012, 08:25:59 AM
Post by: Seabeckian on December 16, 2012, 02:23:36 PM
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. :twocents:
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.