Oiled Ivory / Antler

[Dario]

Anyone treated their ivory or antler with mineral oil before turning or finishing?

I read that soaking them in mineral oil for days or boiling (in a double boiler) helps prevent cracking due to humidity changes but the ivory/antler will have an aged look (opaque like and not white).

I guess depending on what you want, it could be a good or bad thing.

Input anyone?

Thanks!

 

[bitshird]

Lipton Tea or coffee gives Ivory, Bone and Antler a lovely patina.

 

[Woodlvr]

Ken,
Is that before or after turning? Do you soak it in the tea or boil? Sorry Dario, not trying to hijack your thread just trying to learn from you guys.

 

[Dario]

Mike, No problem...I am learning too!

Ken, Great tip! How long do you do this? My problem with tea/coffee is the re-introduction of water to the dry antler/ivory.

 

[bitshird]

Before the ban on Ivory, much of the antique Ivory that was brought in to this country had the aged patina done with tea or coffee, I used to do a lot of hair pipe bone chokers, necklaces, and breast plates, I just soaked the bone, and deer antler in a pan with hot coffee, after it dried just a wipe down with a paper towel, it really doesn't or didn't affect the polish , but then again these were meant to have an aged look to them. I would turn the pieces first get close to my finish dimension then do the coloring, let it dry a day or so and then finish the piece,

 

[lwalden]

Lipton Tea or coffee gives Ivory, Bone and Antler a lovely patina.

I've heard that beer and whiskey can have the same effect on members of the opposite gender..........

 

[Dario]

I've heard that beer and whiskey can have the same effect on members of the opposite gender..........

LOL :biggrin: good one Lyle.