I used a process I saw in the archives on how to stain old elk antlers. As instructed I painted the entire set with "bone white" latex paint. After fixing all cracks of course. I then tried applying stain and it won't take. I tried lightly sanding the antlers in hope that this will help the stain "stick" but nothing. The antlers were dry, cracked and basically in poor shape but I couldn't pass them by. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Be gentle...I'm learning.....
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You can use oil paint from the local arts and crafts store. find a color you like, such as burnt umber, thin with mineral spirits and then apply to horn. You can then simply wipe off the darker color to your liking then seal with a flat or satin sealer. The oil paint from the craft store can be costly and better lends itself to small repairs, however you can use a thick oil stain from your hardware store. You will also need to seal your horns with a laquer sealer before you start if you used a latex base color so that the wash color of oil will not affect your base coat. Good luck.
Thanks for the help....I got the antlers looking great...