antler

[silverback]

Could someone tell me what can I put on raw antlers as a finnish to bring out the gold brown colors with good uv protection

 

[snyiper]

I have only used CA to finish the antler. Im not aware of anything that will make it look more like bark.

 

[jimm1]

+1 on the CA

I have only used CA to finish the antler. Im not aware of anything that will make it look more like bark.

 

[Chasper]

Soak antler for a couple days in hydrogen peroxite to lighten. Use shoe polish to darken. When you have it the tone you want spray it with a coat of satin polyurethane to keep the tone and not make it look artifically glossy.

I'm not aware of antler being UV sensitive, shoe polish fades as it ages, but I don't think it is noticably UV sensitive; doesn't fade any faster out in the sun than indoors.

 

[silverback]

Thanks for all the input

 

[Snowbeast]

Don't have any suggestions for the UV protection, but if you want a darker look to the antler, brew some strong tea and soak the turned piece. Leave it in the tea until it acquires the color you want and then remove and let dry thoroughly. Coat it with whichever of the previously listed finishes you choose.

This will actually dye the antler rather than apply a surface color only. It doesn't go very deep so staining the piece before turning will be a waste of time.