I've tried the following combinations in the whitening process of skulls and bones, bleach, 3% Hydrogen peroxide, 40 Vol Peroxide, the 40 vol peroxide/mag carbonate combo and 35% Hydrogen peroxide. I want to know if anyone out there knows what chemical process museums use to whiten their specimens?
Return to Beginners Category Menu
When artificial whitening is required ya really can't beat peroxide. Never use chlorinated bleach - it is damaging to the bone. If you aren't getting them white enough - you likely aren't degreasing them thoroughly.
With this being said, keep in mind that many museums do not whiten their skulls at all. This is completely artificial as skulls and bones are not white. When you see them that 'nice bleached white' you have to understand that it is due to UV penetration and is damaging to the bone. So when taxidermists whiten bones to make them look pretty - really what you are doing is recreating the look of damaged bone. Thoroughly degrease your bone and it will appear nearly white. If you truly want museum type pieces - stop there. If you want to go with the artifical look of bleached bone, then proceed with H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) as a safe and effective whitening agent.
Hope that helps =)
It is truely amazing how much knowledge you seem to have to share for everyone... Keep up the good work!
JD
=)
I'm up here in Canada, doing my first moose (I shot it) skull mount.
The only way I could get my hands on "strong" (I don't know how strong) H202 was to buy a wood bleaching kit ( A, B bottles).
The "A" bottle is H202 and works quite well, but is expensive as I am throwing away the"b" bottle.
I go to the States frequently. Where can I buy Hydrogen Peroxide 40 in the States?
H2O2 40 is sold at beauty supply outlets, but sometimes requires a license to purchase. check around.