I have just come into some antler and have found that it turns beautifully. I am thinking of using it to make Woodcrafts chess set. The problem is that it comes up only in either a slightly off-white to a mottled gray. Not much of a difference for a chess set. Has anyone tried to dye or color antler? If so, what were the results? Any hints or advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks is advance,
Douglas, Austin, Texas
Experiment I guess.
I too have soem and had a similar thouight, except I was wanting to use it for jewellery.
From what I have seen, it has different densities close throughout its section, so may not colour evenly, but I propose to try some spirit based stains
Please let me know what you find out
Rex Haslip Auckland New Zealand
beautifully. I
Hey Douglas!
I can think of two options right off the bat...
I don't know if this will give you the visual disparity you desire, but it's worth a thought...
-- One Good Turn... New Hampshire, USA
beautifully. I
Don't forget you can bleach the antler for a really white piece. As for coloring them, remember that antler like all bone is porous so you may get some inconstant results. Acrylics will certainly work, and you can always use some large body colored lacquers. Peace.
Since antler is more akin to hair than it is too wood, you may find that hair coloring works better than most of the things we would use on wood.
Follow the directions on the package.
The bleaching agens for hair also work very well on antler, and will give you that aged white appearance.
Russ Fairfield Post Falls, Idaho http:/
Boil it with ash as in the wood or as in ashes from burnt wood?
appreciated.
You might try the peroxide wood bleaches, too.
Burnt wood ash, altho ashes from ash can work. Boil the antler to bleach it. Alternatively, you can use a few small bits of fresh-cut oak to darken. Use the bark and inner few layers (cambium??? I forget) or a few handfuls of acorns. Chip the wood small and crack the acorns with a hammer. Don't get this mess on your hands, it will stain skin and doesn't come off easily.
Vic in Chicagoland
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