I have a pair of antles, which are coated with a white substance with the appearance of white chalk. Does anyone know how to remove this and to restore the antlers to their original condition?
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Wash it off under some runing water with some fine steel wool. The deeper the chalky layer, the longer you will have to do this. Once the chalky layer is removed, paint or stain to your liking. If it gets to a point where you feel as though you are never going to get through all the chalky layer without ruining texture; then stop scouring before the texture is harmed, paint or stain, and seal with a lacquer or white shellac to help 'consolidate' the antler.
I can tell you that to me it sounds like it could be the fatty stuff you get from boiling the scalp and membrane of the bone. Probably just fat that rose to the surface of the pot. try re-boiling and scrubbing with a toothbrush or something non-abrasive(I would be hesitant to use steel wool) after drying a few days if it doesn't reappear then seal with your preferred stain or paint.