Staining & Restoring Moose Antlers?

[fulltime pops]

Hello
I recently bagged a bull moose and got the whole rack off as one piece. I got the hair and meat and dirt off the rack;and now it is in drying process. I wanted to get some advice if it is possible to use stain on the rack to make it look like a nice and deadly rack to stand out more... still needs to be mounted to board. Any ideas or advise would help... ill upload picture at later time when i get home... thanks to all.

[tatonka2]

First figure out what stain will look natural and is a color you like. I suggest staining a small spot on the back of the rack first to make sure you like the color. I stained a couple caribou racks that came out nice. They were just out of the velvet and reddish from the blood and I wanted them to look like they would if they'd had a chance to rub trees, etc. I can't recall, but I think I used an oak colored stain on them...

[tatonka2]

Here are some before and after photos of my caribou... Now that I think about it, I think I used a red oak stain on one and walnut on the other...

[huntinalberta]

If it's a fresh kill the rack should already have a brown color. It might also be tricky to get stain to stick with the layer of wax that they naturally have on there antlers. Unless it has been bleached white from sun and the elements.

[Salavee]

Old Beeswax works well if you know a beekeeper.

[fulltime pops]

Originally Posted by Salavee

Old Beeswax works well if you know a beekeeper.

i wonder if Berts Bees will Work?

[NW Tradegunner]

I've used Kiwi shoe polish; the stuff in the round flat can with the turn key on the side. The reddish brown looks great! Buff up the whole thing with a wool sock after applying with a shoe brush. Try a small spot on the back to see if you like it. There are number tones darker or lighter available.

[fulltime pops]

Here is the moose rack. Finely got a chance to upload it.

[waterninja]

If it's a fresh moose rack then the natural colour should already be in place. Give it a good washing with warm water and dish soap. Rinse well with clear water. Let it dry thoroughly. Give it a coat or 2 of shellac. Will maintain its original color for years.


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[Fisherpeak]

Originally Posted by waterninja

If it's a fresh moose rack then the natural colour should already be in place. Give it a good washing with warm water and dish soap. Rinse well with clear water. Let it dry thoroughly. Give it a coat or 2 of shellac. Will maintain its original color for years.


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Don`t wash it except to remove blood stains, the colour will come out and don`t use shellac or varathane, it yellows with time. Just give it a rub with lemon oil from time to time. If you do stain it use a waterbase stain so you can adjust it with a wet cloth. I have tried potassium permanganate but it is a one shot deal, if you don`t like the result you are screwed.