staining antler limb bolts

[KentuckyTJ]

I have some real antler bolts and would like to stain them the natural brown color as they would look on a deer. What to use?

Thanks TJ

[Jim Jackson]

Others with more experience will jump in, but I believe Potassium permanganate is the ticket.  Its purple when mixed but reacts with the calcium carbonate in the antler to give a brown stain.  It will also stain your hands wicked purple brown as well, so be sure and use gloves, glasses, etc if you go that route.

PM Frank Scukanec (Sticshooter here on tradgang), as I know he and Shell have lots of experience with limb-bolts and will steer you down the right path.

[adeeden]

Potassium permanganate works well. I have used it in the past with good results. Mix it very thin and then apply in a thin layer. It will look purple for a second but browns up real good. It's a very strong oxydizer so just be carefull you do not get it on your hands or anything like paper cardboard and such.

[KentuckyTJ]

Thanks guys. Now where to get it?

[adeeden]

You can get it in crystal form from any of the majot taxidery places online.

A little goes a long way!

[Steve Clandinin]

I've used the minwax wipe on stain with good results ( the Teak ).a small amout on a cloth ,then wipe it in immediately.Then I use low gloss or Satin MinWax wipe on Poly.They look good to me.If I ever learn to post pics I'd show you some !LOL

[Gary Logsdon]

Talk to Larry Thomas.

[hawk22]

You could also boil them in tea for 20-30 minutes.  That's how we make our antler handled knives dark brown.