I have a buddy that has an old set of shed antlers from a big old muley
he wants me to put then on a skull plate and mount then on a board.
The problem that I have is they are so old and weathered that the beams
and tines are cracked and bleached white. I want to fill in the cracks
and stain them back to antler colors. I thought about useing mache to fill
in the cracks or maybe regular automotive bondo,which one would work better
and still be able to use antler stains to cover over them, or is there
a better method to use, and which stains are the best?
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Hello,
Use Apoxie Sculpt to fill the cracks,it is stainable and paintable. Plenty of working time. Then use Old English scratch cover stain, you can get an 8oz bottle of it at the local market in the furniture polish isle. I've used this method and this brand od stain gives the antlers it's original natural look, Take Care....
When I typed "Staining Antlers" in that little white box, Google said that there were 96 previous entries on this same subject. There's bound to be one in there that you like. Try it.
i would use epoxie sculpt to fill cracks, but as for the stain, It will stain the epoxie differently than the antler and will show the cracks still. I would spray the antlers with either a light grey primer, or white primer. this will fill up a bit more of the little cracks and will give you a really nice even coating of the same materail that will also seal the antlers from any other reason to deteriorate. Then if you get some burnt umber paint, wipe it on with a rag or big brush using a little paint and wiping it on till the brush is dry, this will allow you to evenly distribute the paint, and then go over the antlers with some very fine steel wool to highlight the textures and you will be supprized at the realism you can achieve.
Just remember to go easy with the primmer, two thin fine coats is very much better than one thick one. After you get the desired affect, spray the antlers with a semi gloss uretane or other plastic coat, to seal them up for good. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.