Have done a few deer european mounts the past couple of years using the boiling method (leaving antlers outside the water) but have always had some discoloration/darkening of the antlers due to the rising heat/steam.

This year, based upon something I read I tried wrapping the bases with aluminum foil.

Once finished, still had darker bases that lightened a little as the antler goes up.

Is there anything I can do to get the antlers to lighten up back to a more natural appearance?

Thanks!