I'm having a problem staining some caribou horns. After I cleaned and dried them, I painted them with an off white, flat latex paint and let it dry for a couple days. I then put on a light layer of Knobloch's Antler Stain #2. When I went to do the next layer of stain, it wouldn't adhere, in fact it removed some of the first layer of stain. What am I doing wrong?
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The chemicals that make a stain work also work to dilute and clean it off if wiped twice. When you paint an antler white, you seal all the porosity of the bone. The first coat of stain only coats the paint and the second wipes it off. I'd suggest you mix talcum powder in your white paint to insure it's flat enough and give the stain something to attach itself to (the talc). OR you can airbrush your stain on and not wipe it off at all.
Took in 42 Caribou last year and because of the stains had to do this:
I soaked the antlers in a tank of water and "Blood Out" for 48 hrs, then hung up to drain and dry. Paint with a thin coat of "Kilz" white primer (use brush on NOT spray). Let this dry for not less that 24 hrs. For the stain I use Minwax Special Walnut. Whatever size can you use (I used a gallon), open the can and let about 1/2 evaporate out, sounds stupid but it's the only way to thicken and darken the stain. Use a paint brush to apply the stain evenly. When almost fully dry, gently wipe with a soft cloth.
1 coat of stain will give you a nice med-yellowy-brown color and a 2nd coat will give more of a rich brown color. With a little practice, they look as good or better than the real thing.
Works for me!
Mitch