I recently acquired a set of NT mule deer antlers (scored 244 2/8) which were taken in 1958. The original owner, like many old-timers, had varnished these antlers. How can I safely remove the varnish without doing any damage to this rack? Thanks...Doug.
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Type in "Varnished Antlers". It's in there.
I'm putting this here only becasue from here and on - if someone does a search for 'varnished antler' they will find this listed in the archives as well... but 'search the archives' doesn't tell you how to remove varnish from antlers so you get stuck reading through 50 answers of 'search the archives' before you find what you are looking for! SO... i use acetone - strips them down nicely. In some really old antlers I've noticed that it dries them out a bit but you can easily apply a little bit of linseed oil and buff them if yer that worried about it. I'm sure theres tonnes more info on the archives but now theres at least SOMETHING when people search this thread in the future =)
I have found that the best way to remove varnish and stain is to use Homer Formby's Paint and Varnish remover. You can purchase this at any Wal-mart in the paint dept. You will also need a 1" paint brush to apply this with and a small wire brush as well to remove the varnish from all grooves and around the antler burrs. Brush it on, wipe it off with a rag, re-apply and use the wire brush. It would be a good idea to use rubber gloves and to do this outdoors. Hope that this helps.