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Finally got my first skull done!

Discussion in 'Skulls and Skeletons' started by SouthrnChrmer450, Mar 24, 2014.

  1. Mar 24, 2014 #1
    SouthrnChrmer450

    SouthrnChrmer450 Self-Learning

    276
    0
    Glen Allen, VA
    Thanks to everyone on here who gave me amazing advice on getting this little guy finished. He was done via maceration and a very cool (88 degrees F) and very long degreasing soak! And let me tell you guys...the adipocere on this thing was a NIGHTMARE! Any advice on how to keep that stuff to a minimum next time?

    Also, I'm waiting a few more days before I seal with Krylon...do you guys normally coat the antlers as well, or leave those natural and just coat the rest?

    Thanks everyone!!

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Mar 24, 2014 #2
    Bones N Beasts

    Bones N Beasts New Member

    550
    1
    Looks good If you coat the antlers it will alter the color some like it some don't you can try a little on the back and see if its for you
     

  5. Mar 25, 2014 #3
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

    14,141
    2,263
    Taxachusetts
    Adipocere is the one problem with maceration that you don't have with bugs. Conversely, maceration gets a ton of the initial grease out to start with. It is, essentially, fat that has converted to a wax. Fortunately it scrubs off easily with assorted brushes and some straight detergent. Personally, I don't use Krylon. I use paraloid but I generally do not do the antlers. Just right up to the colored section on the burrs.
     
  6. Mar 25, 2014 #4
    SouthrnChrmer450

    SouthrnChrmer450 Self-Learning

    276
    0
    Glen Allen, VA
    Awesome, thanks everyone!

    I may look into getting paraloid next season if I have a lot of people request Euros, but this is the only one I had this year (first time doing it, really). But I WILL definitely get it at some point in time.

    And I had a feeling that it had something to do with the fat/grease buildup...but that stuff was stubborn! And most if it was down in tiny cracks that required the use of a toothpick to try and pry out! It was frustrating! lol!
     
  7. Mar 26, 2014 #5
    blacktailhunter

    blacktailhunter New Member

    41
    0
    Looks great!!!!!
     
  8. Mar 27, 2014 #6
    FullCryHounds

    FullCryHounds Member

    567
    8
    Colorado
    Use Mop and Glow floor wax on the antlers. It will not give them a glossy look but more of the natural sheen they have naturally. I've got some I did 30 years ago that still look the way they did the day I did them. You will not find a better way to finish antlers.
     
  9. Mar 27, 2014 #7
    AH7

    AH7 New Member

    1,281
    4
    If I remember correctly (correct me if I'm wrong SW!), adipocere is reduced with warmer water temperatures. However, I've found that it is pretty inevitable in all wet techniques.
     
  10. Mar 27, 2014 #8
    SouthrnChrmer450

    SouthrnChrmer450 Self-Learning

    276
    0
    Glen Allen, VA
    Yes, I had posted about it before...but I was lucky enough to get that one aquarium heater that couldn't be tweaked to go up to 115 degrees....so I had to degrease at 88...I'm willing to bet the adipocere could have been cut in half if I had picked the heater that wasn't hack-proof ;)
     
  11. Mar 27, 2014 #9
    Sea Wolf

    Sea Wolf Well-Known Member

    14,141
    2,263
    Taxachusetts
    Yep. Any maceration will generate some adipocere but cooler temps make it worse. Warmer temps break things down so fast it doesn't have enough time to develop in heavy concentrations. Carcasses or bodies that lay soaking in cold water for long periods of time can effectively have a large majority of the fat convert to wax.