I just got back from a great Wyoming Antelope hunt where I harvested a nice 15" buck (about 72 B&C inches). This will be my third set of horns top mount, I have always boiled the horns to seperate them then clean the skull cap, trim and ready for mounting. I spray the horns with a satin Polyurethane after they dry well. Recently I have heard about treating the horns with linseed oil instead of Poly. Which is best? Thanks guys.
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Polyurethane coatings are subject to UV yellowing in time and will crack and peel away from surfaces in some environments if there is the smallest pinhole in the finish. Chances are that most mounts are never 100% dry when "completed" and will shrink away from the rigid urethane coatings if only by a few microns.
Linseed oil will dry over time and can act as a dust accumulator and only the very finest fails to yellow with age. Waxes are good finishes and several are available to seal and provide luster to the surface. If a coating is used, I would recommend an alkyd or other resin varnish thinned with mineral spirits and applied sparingly.
What about water based poly finishes which are more flexible and more prown to stay clearer? If wax is used, which ones? Thanks
I like WD40. I have used it quite a bit and never had a problem. The horns don't ever seem to gather dust, and it bring back the natural color. I also works great on buffalo horns. Give it a try and I think you'll be suprised at the results.
A good "Sanding Sealer" will also work great on your goat horns. Its quickly obsorbed into the horns and seals them without a shine to it.It can be purchased at most hardwhare stores and lumber yards and is applied with a brush.
Have a great day to all,
Dave
I use a 50/50 mix of white gas and linseed oil on all antlers and horns. Wipe on, and wipe off with a dry cloth. The gas evaporates leaving a nice sheen on the horns. Takes away the chalky look. It's such a thin mix that I've never had a dust problem. Try it, you'll like it.
I have a really nice set of mule deer antlers I would love to find a cape for but they are weatherd really white and a little pourous.Is there a way I can get them to look half way decent so I can mount them ?