Pixman Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Well I was bored and decided to darken an elk shed I have had for years. It is the biggest one I have done so it took a little longer but I am happy with how it turned out. I know it isn't perfect but it looks good to me. I'm not sure if you can tell from the pic or not but I used some 220 sandpaper and lightened some high points a bit to make it look more natural! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Nice! Did you use oil stain?.....what color? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Basser15 Report post Posted November 7, 2013 I'm interested on how you do it too. Got a matched muley set that I'd like to try it on. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pixman Report post Posted November 7, 2013 I have posted darkened sheds on here before and explained how I did it but I will explain my process again. I got some dirt from up north and brought home. I have used dirt from my backyard but it was light colored so I wanted dirt from the area where the animals live. I take a bucket of some of my dirt and mix in some water to make mud, basically thick enough it will hold to antler and I cover the entire antler. I let it dry on the antler for a couple of days and then with a stiff brush I remove the dried up mud. You will see the antler has been stained by the mud and then I pour and rub Old English lemon oil all over the shed and let dry. It is fairly simple and I am happy with how they turn out. There are probably better ways to go about it but this works for me. Here is a pic of the antler covered in mud while drying. I haven't done it to this antler but sometimes I will take some light sandpaper and hit the high spots to give it some white, it gives it a better look instead of one solid color. Hope this helps! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viper Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Oh, I do remember your article. Thanks for sharing again. Have you tried stain, but didn't like the results? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pixman Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Oh, I do remember your article. Thanks for sharing again. Have you tried stain, but didn't like the results? No, I have never tried stain. I saw where someone had tried this method so I tried it as well and have liked the results. My opinion is they would look stained and not natural but I don't know for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Does the lemon oil add color too or just the mud? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pixman Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Does the lemon oil add color too or just the mud? The lemon oil definetly adds color and darkens the shed. The mud helps add color but the oil is what makes it look good. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted November 7, 2013 Lookes excellent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JOEDKILLA Report post Posted November 9, 2013 Very natural looking! I bet the oil helps preserve it too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pixman Report post Posted November 9, 2013 I added a third pic to show how I lightened the antler a bit to make it look more natural. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
