How do you darken an antler burr?

[Gen273]

I am wanting to darken up a set of real antler limb bolts. Any ideas on what is the best way to do it?

[YORNOC]

EcoFlo leather dye from Tandy. Then seal with acrylic satin sheen to give a flat clearcoat. Dries extremely fast, ready to use in 30 minutes complete. I usuallyt use butchers wax over the satin sheen to give ultra moisture protection.

I just did the outer part on these but you can do all of it if desired. This is Timber brown.

 

[ron w]

I used walnut stain to darken mine.....then just a light coat of Deft to protect!

[Roger Norris]

Montana Pitch Blend will work

[Bear Heart]

There is a good traditional bowhunter magazine artical on this.  I think they used old motor oil.

[Brandywine]

Hello:
Potassium permanganate (sp?)  works on cow horns to produce a natural yellow-brown aged color that is more durable than shoe dye.  This was a closely kept secret by modern powder horn makers.  It might work for bone and antlers.  Obviously it should be tested.  My custom knife making friends use shoe dye on elk antler.
Regards,
Kevin

[YORNOC]

Originally posted by Bear Heart:
There is a good traditional bowhunter magazine artical on this.  I think they used old motor oil.

Heh, I found this to be true the hard way. I had a nice little european style 5 point skull in my garage waiting for me to make a plaque for it. Friends dog comes and and demolishes the place, I found the skull lying in spilled oil , but just one antler. Thats how it is today, i left it for the story. One whitish antler, one dark.  Thanks to good ol' Bruin.

[Lucas K]

+1 Brandywine

[Gen273]

Thanks guys!!!!