I injected a set of velvet antlers 4 days ago with Knoblouchs velvet tan following the exact instructions until the antlers ran clear. I then painted it on and left it to dry for four days. The velvet is now beginning to have a rotten smell. Any suggestions?
Thanks
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Steven, That's not so unusual. I've injected and soaked in preservative and still had the odor until the rack fully dries. I think that it's worse when it is almost time for the deer to lose the velvet as the skin is dieing in preperation to be rubbed off and then we try to save it. I have put a fan blowing on the rack and have doused it with denatured alcohol to kill bacteria. Also you can try putting a heavy dusting of borax all over it till it dries. At any rate don't rub the velvet or handle it much as it might slip. Once it dries the smell will leave and it should be fine. One more thing...set the rack up standing on the skull plate so that liquid can run out around the antler bases which helps get the drying started quicker. Enjoy, Aaron H.
Wow, thanks for some peace of mind. I'll try those things. The deer was taken around 8/14 so the antlers were nearing finished developing.
Thanks again for your response. Steven