Prepping Antlers

[Primetime/IL]

I was just wandering how you taxidermist prep the antlers before going on the form. I know most of the racks already have blood on them to begin with. Is there a type of oil you use over the rack or do you use some type of method to clean it?

[zubba]

Soapy water and elbow grease to clean. The taxidermist I learned from uses a car wax to bring out the colors and a matte spray to help make them stay that way.

[excalibur43]

I just wash them with a sponge and hot soapy water.Blood comes right off.Then just let them dry.

[neb]

I use a Johnson Wax and really works good. I give a luster look and brings out the color and grain also protects the horn.

[Primetime/IL]

Do you clean all the dirt off them or only areas need to be cleaned ie blood spots?

[neb]

I don't clean them. When I put on the wax it becomes soft and does someclean when I apply it. Then I buff the horns and they really turn out good.

[srwshooter]

any kind of house hold cleaner will remove blood and dirt. my taxidermist gives the a good coat of wd40 before mounting. and the he does the whole mount with taxidermy magic after mounting. this stuff is the best thing i've ever seen to bring life back to old or dingy mounts.