Anbessa Gedai
AH veteran
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2012
- Messages
- 155
- Reaction score
- 329
- Media
- 29
- Articles
- 1
- Member of
- NRA - LIFE MEMBER & SCI - LIFE MEMBER
- Hunted
- Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mocambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Zimbabwe, The Cameroon, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Germany, Uzbekistan, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Alaska, Arizona, California, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming
I recognize that many taxidermists, particularly the self-made/self-taught professionals (you know who you are ) have developed/invented their own (secret) methods which enhance their work and set themselves apart from the run of the mill, so for those members of the forum that are professional taxidermists, please take no offense at this question, and rest assured I have no desire to go in to the taxidermy business! But being a hands-on guy, I’d like to tackle this myself.
Here’s my query . . addressed to anyone that has already gone down this road, and has good or bad experience to share:
I have a number of kudu horns that I would like to treat (see photos). The horns are clean but like most all horns, once they dry out . . . they have become somewhat ashen and lost that luster that you usually see when the animal is alive. I’d like to apply the right oil, solution, or product to improve that ashen appearance.
NOT looking for a result that makes them black, or excessively dark.
Looking for a finish that will restore some of the luster, maybe a very slightly glossy appearance, much like you see when glassing the animal on a sunny day. NOT high gloss, but not dull. Correcting, at least partially the ashen appearance (seen in the second photo below).
The treatment must cure totally dry, If not they become dust magnets and, in that case, I’d rather leave them un-treated.
I treated the third set from the bottom in the photo with clear mineral oil years ago, and you can see its appearance is different. NOT a good idea! . . . It remained tacky for years and is quite dull.
A taxidermist friend gave me his recipe of boiled linseed oil, turpentine, and lacquer thinner and I tried it on a pair not shown. The result was a much darker horn with little or no sheen or luster.
I’ve heard of some taxidermists using “Mop & Glo” floor polish which leaves a very artificial high gloss finish and is definitely NOT the desired result.
I do see a “Horn Conditioner” product listed by a taxidermy supply house, but quite expensive for a small jar and I’d need several!
It’s a job that has to be done right the first time, as after applying there’s no removing it!
I’m not looking for “Hey why don’t you try this?” . . . but firsthand experience with whatever process worked well (or didn’t). Also, if it worked well for other horns besides kudu . . . impala, waterbuck, wildebeest, etc.
I’m thinking the replies will be of interest to quite a number of readers.
Many thanks, and for those readers from the USA, wishing you a solemn, but positive Memorial Day in remembering those that have fallen in defense of our freedoms.
Here’s my query . . addressed to anyone that has already gone down this road, and has good or bad experience to share:
I have a number of kudu horns that I would like to treat (see photos). The horns are clean but like most all horns, once they dry out . . . they have become somewhat ashen and lost that luster that you usually see when the animal is alive. I’d like to apply the right oil, solution, or product to improve that ashen appearance.
NOT looking for a result that makes them black, or excessively dark.
Looking for a finish that will restore some of the luster, maybe a very slightly glossy appearance, much like you see when glassing the animal on a sunny day. NOT high gloss, but not dull. Correcting, at least partially the ashen appearance (seen in the second photo below).
The treatment must cure totally dry, If not they become dust magnets and, in that case, I’d rather leave them un-treated.
I treated the third set from the bottom in the photo with clear mineral oil years ago, and you can see its appearance is different. NOT a good idea! . . . It remained tacky for years and is quite dull.
A taxidermist friend gave me his recipe of boiled linseed oil, turpentine, and lacquer thinner and I tried it on a pair not shown. The result was a much darker horn with little or no sheen or luster.
I’ve heard of some taxidermists using “Mop & Glo” floor polish which leaves a very artificial high gloss finish and is definitely NOT the desired result.
I do see a “Horn Conditioner” product listed by a taxidermy supply house, but quite expensive for a small jar and I’d need several!
It’s a job that has to be done right the first time, as after applying there’s no removing it!
I’m not looking for “Hey why don’t you try this?” . . . but firsthand experience with whatever process worked well (or didn’t). Also, if it worked well for other horns besides kudu . . . impala, waterbuck, wildebeest, etc.
I’m thinking the replies will be of interest to quite a number of readers.
Many thanks, and for those readers from the USA, wishing you a solemn, but positive Memorial Day in remembering those that have fallen in defense of our freedoms.
