Rick - DO NOT USE A METAL POT!!!!!! Plastic yes but not metal. Sometimes you have a chemical reaction between peroxide and metals, depending on the metal compound and peroxide. Never use a metal pot, the chemical reaction could cause an explosion or fire. What I use is Basic White powder and 40% peroxide clear, from Sally's Beauty supply, mix to a paste and spread over the skull coating everything. Let sit overnight, wash off and then sit it in the sun for a couple of days. Have you degreased your skull yet? If not it will have yellow stains to it.