| Subject: Repairing
and Coloring Antlers Author: Larry
Reese, Wildlife Artistry Taxidermy
E-Mail: larry@wildlifeartistry.com
After repairing antlers I have always tried to blend/paint the repair to
match the original antler. I was never satisfied with the results so I began
to experiment until I developed a method I like which would give me consistent, lifelike results .
If you do reproduction antlers, repair work on mice-eaten sheds or have
to repair broken antlers, etc. here is something I think you will like to try:
I repair my antlers using Apoxie Sculpt (or your favorite epoxy).
Depending on the repair job I may drill a hole into the antler, glue in a wire and then build around the wire to the desired shape. An alternate
method is to make a cast of another antler tine and attach it to the main beam using wire and epoxy. After sanding a smooth
transition I start to paint and stain as follows:
The first thing I do is use electrical tape to go around the base of
the antler burr and masking tape over the rest of the skull. Now here is the trick I stumbled across while searching in the local
hobby store. I was in the paint section ,picking up some high gloss ,etc., and saw this stuff called "Make it Suede!" made by Krylon.. The lid was
painted with this stuff and I liked the soft brushed feel of the finish. I figured I would give this a try so I picked a bone color
called 1240 BERBER. I have established great results by spraying the entire
antler with this 1240 BERBER "Suede"( I like to do two coats). After it is completely dry I
start to apply my antler stain. I like to build my coats up slowly to get the color I want and, if needed ,I will lightly hit the high
spots with some 000 steel wool. Once you are completely satisfied you will need to seal it off. I
like to use 2 coats of Krylon 1311.
The "Suede 1240 BERBER" gives the antler a very soft textured feel
and look. When completed properly the antler looks as real as you can get ,
your customer will never know where the repair was.. Give this a try I think you will like the results.
The above picture inspired me
to do this article. This rack was from a dead deer that was found the
following year. It had multiple tines broken, was eaten up by mice and one
side was in the marsh mud and was severely stained. Plaque by
Walnut Creek Hardwood
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