I was caribou hunting this past fall and found a huge caribou shed. I was only able to bring back the front shovel (18" across). I would like to bleach it a pure white and polish it, to give it a more ceramic look. I am then going to scrimshaw a caribou scene on the palm. Any suggestions on the best way to bleach out the discolorations (dirt & mossy colors) and polish it afterwards?
Return to Beginners Category Menu
Bob,
Sounds as if Clorox would be your first best bet in order to remove the fungus. Most of the harsher bleach products don't tend to whiten bone any better than bleach and a right summer sun.
Just a note that you didn't ask for. Scrimshaw on antler bone, expecially caribou, is tricky at best. Caribou antler is expecially pithy and your inks are likely to be absorbed deeper inside the antler if you are not especially carefull.