Hey there all,
No real problems or questions this time just thought I'd offer some thanks and a bit of confirmation that many of the folks on here really do know what they're talking about.
I mounted three WT deer this week and used my normal Buckeye Supreme on the first before deciding, on a whim, to whip up a batch of Killer Glue to use on the facial areas of the next two. It's been sitting on my shelf for about a year and I've been reading all about John C and others success with Epo-Grip and other epoxies.
Well, it's incredible. The skin taxied just as easily as with Buckeye (maybe even better), the wrinkles, details, etc. were much simpler to put in because I would model them in and they stayed. I did use a few pins around the eyes, etc. but didn't need them. Mounted at about 4 p.m. In the morning, I literally could not move the skin on the face. The clay around the eye was still soft, of course, so i was able to fine-tune a bit with fresh eyes after a night's rest. The Buckeye Supreme deer required that I "touch up" around the eyes and adjust the skin as usual with drying. No such steps necessary with the Killer Glue deer. And the antler burrs! Unbelievable. Those suckers are socked on tight already. No worries about shrinkage/pulling away on them. Love it.
As i said, I used Killer Glue because I had a sample on hand. But I'm certain that most all epoxy-style products would have similar results.
So, the next time some of the veterans on here make a suggestion. Maybe we should listen a little more? Wish I would have sooner. Would have saved a lot of time and made my work a bit better sooner.
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But Tony, I suggest Buckeye Supreme all the time. Now we are in a fix...hahaha, just kidding! I like it, but use what works best for you.
Tony H, Now think about this...I use Epo-Grip on the face and briskit of my deer and Buckeye everywhere else. The Buckeye allows the cape to shift a bit as it dries which is a good thing to take up puckers and unwanted wrinkles. The Epo-Grip holds the facial details right away. I used the Killer Glue for a few years and it is a good product but the Epo mixes so easily that I switched. One thing I've learned about taxidermy--if you never try different ways and products you will for sure miss out on something that will make the job easier, better or more enjoyable. Enjoy, Aaron H.
I have been using killer glue on deer heads and it pulls the hide down tight but it is a mess to work with.Might have to try Buckeye or Epo-Grip pastes to see how they work.
I have tried alot of things and the best I have found comes from WAL Mart Its called {white lighting}. Its a all purpose adhesive caulk. where you put the hide it stays........
Just wanted to clarify that I love the Buckeye Supreme as well. I just plan to use epoxies on the facial area from now on just as Aaron H. suggested. The difference was I used to use Supreme on the entire deer now I'll use it everywhere BUT the head/face.
Bill Y. do you use epoxy on the facial area at all? If not, have you experienced the slight shrinkage problems I was talking about? (eyes, antler burrs)
In my opinion, making sure the antlers are set right and the skull built up accurately have more to do then what adhesive you choose. I dont care for epoxies as i prefer water based glue. If I DO use epoxiy here or there, its always Epo-Grip. It just seems stronger and a better grade. I top notch tan will also keep shrinkage to a minimum.