staining antler

[Bodork]

I'm in the process of making a knife display using an old shed antler but didn't like the color of it. I just for fun i took some pictures as I went to share the process I use. I'm sure there are other ways and probably better but I'm pleased with the results.
Here is the antler I'm goin to stain.
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0599.jpg

With a stiff brush I apply a coat of minwax early american oil based stain. I put it a little heavier on the parts I want darker.
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0601.jpg

While the stain is still wet, I brush a small amount of india ink(water based) on the areas that I really want to darken. Don't worry about brush marks, you can blend them with a brush and stain. Leave some darker places and don't try to get the entire antler the same color. Just be sure to wipe off any runs or sags before they dry.
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0602.jpg

If you get a big black glob like I did, simply go back over it with the stain while it is wet and blend it in.

 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0604.jpg

Before the stain is completley dry, I wipe it off with some rags. I wipe a little harder toward the tips of the antler and any other place I want to lighten up.

 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0605.jpg

After the stain is dry, I use steel wool to make more highlights. Of course the more you rub, the lighter it will become. I even used 60 grit sandpaper on some of this antler. Here is how it looks now.
 
 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v78/mikebaker/DSCF0605.jpg

When I'm all finished, I'll post another picture.
 This is the same techinique I used on the moose antler on the overlay of the bow I made for Frank. It was bleached  white when Shell gave it to me.
 

[Gary Kellar]

Mike -
Thanks for the great info on the process you're developing. This is something I've often wanted to try but didn't have a clue as to where to start.
We'll be following this one closely!

[4runr]

Wow! Talk about good timing, I am puting an antler handle on a knife, and wanted to do something to darken it. Thanks for the info!!

Kenny

[Shell]

Mike,

   You're work is gorgeous! beautiful stain on that antler!!!      

[sticshooter]

Mike that looks great, I use Briwax dark brown. It is more of a paste. I use a old tooth brush to apply it to the antler. let it sit for a min and wipe it off.<><

[JEFF B]

hey you could use wood stain as well that works good as i have used it a few times my self. boy that riser looks awesome man.  

[tippit]

I use coffee/coffee grounds or tea.  It will take on a nice rich brown color...Doc

[Bodork]

Now tippit, that's a neat idea. I'll have to try it. The early american minwax is probably a little darker than natural antler but I think it makes for a nice look.