European skull mounts concentrate peroxide mix help

[mickgibbo]

I have just managed to get my hands on 20 liters of commercial 50% peroxide mix to start doing European skull mounts of Australian game species. I use to use the 40vol 12% peroxide hair cream and it worked fine but was looking for an even better result potentially a solution that I can just place the skulls in and let the peroxide do its work.

Being new to this method I have many questions that Im sure are simple for the guys here.

1. What should I mix the solution down to if I want to fully submerge the skull.

2. How long should I leave the skull in this solution

3. If Im going to make a paste from the peroxide concentrate can I use Bi Carb soda to mix the solution through or is there better alternate products (bareing in mind Im not sure where I can source magnesium carbonate in Australia).

4. If I make a pool solution can I use this over and over again?

5. A little off this topic but what method do people use to protect the coronet color when soaking heads in peroxide solution

I appreciate the help and am looking at one day hopefully doing this as a side hobby for people here in Australia.

[Head Hunting Iowan]

If its 50% you'd best dilute it.  That crap will eat a skull away in an hour, not to mention its incredibly dangerous.  As in dangerous enough to the point I wouldnt take it if its free.  Anyways, onward :

1. 60% peroxide, 40% water.

2. Day or 2.

3. Use baby powder if you cant get basic white or talc powder.

4. Yes.

5. No idea what that means.  If you're talking antlers some use caulk to save most of it, but I can never get them 100% protected.  Just stain them.

Again, I cannot imply how dangerous that stuff is.  One tiny rust particle can end your endeavors or your life due to an explosion.  I cant even imagine what that crap would do to your skin if it came into contact with it.

[mickgibbo]

Thanks for the reply and I appreciate the safety advice. It is 50% not 50 vol so I will take adequate precautions. I will make a big bath of it to do large batches of skulls. I will have a 60 litre bucket so will mix 50/50 with water to be safe.  How long can I expect this bath to last?

[Sea Wolf]

Diluting it to 27% would be fine. Even 12% will work to fully submerge something. 50% is incredibly dangerous. If you get even a minute speck of metal in there you will have a fire. You might want to notify your local fire department that you have that on your property.

Do NOT even attempt to make a paste of this full strength. Stronger is NOT better.