Elk skull preservation

[Twobyfour]

I recently shot an elk and am doing my own European mount. My question is: Do you put any sort of finish on your skulls to preserve/protect it? A nose piece already fell off, so I already have to glue that on and we have a clear super glue for that...Do you use epoxy--what kind? Polyurethane? I'm open to suggestions.

@chevyman181

 

[Nick87]

You can glue your nose piece with elders. Blends in with white bone youll never see it. As far as sealing it mix water with elmers glue. Apply with small brush.

 

[Wild Bill]

As far as sealing it mix water with elmers glue. Apply with small brush.

I've done this and it works very well. Have also used Modge Podge and warm water mixed well.

 

[Twobyfour]

You can glue your nose piece with elders. Blends in with white bone youll never see it. As far as sealing it mix water with elmers glue. Apply with small brush.

Is there a particular ratio that you like to use?

 

[Nick87]

Is there a particular ratio that you like to use?

I don't personally seal mine. Some people like that, and I've seen it done. I would say, fifty fifty, would be a good place to start. And then go from there.

 

[TOGIE]

If you really wanna go the extra mile Paraloid B-72 is the way. It's what museums use.

I did the Mop n Glo on a few skulls and ultimately really didn't like the slight gloss/sheen it gives it. I don't do anything after whitening anymore.

A few small dabs of regular ol clear super glue will get that nose bone right. I used a Gorilla Glue once that turned a nasty yellow. Avoid.

 

[Twobyfour]

I've done this and it works very well. Have also used Modge Podge and warm water mixed well.

What ratio do you like to use? Do either give much of a gloss finish?

 

[Nick87]

If you really wanna go the extra mile Paraloid B-72 is the way. It's what museums use.

I did the Mop n Glo on a few skulls and ultimately really didn't like the slight gloss/sheen it gives it. I don't do anything after whitening anymore.

A few small dabs of regular ol clear super glue will get that nose bone right. I used a Gorilla Glue once that turned a nasty yellow. Avoid.

If you want to get fancy, this is the answer.

 

[Nick87]

@Twobyfour have you whitened the skull yet and do you need to touch up the antler bases?

 

[Wild Bill]

What ratio do you like to use? Do either give much of a gloss finish?

I don't remember, exactly. Probably started with a cup of warm water and maybe a couple TBSPs of Elmer's. Whisk it together. Brush it on thick with a brush, and let it drip dry.

Mine Do not have a super glossy finish. Slightly glossy maybe, but just let a little dust fall on it and it'll dull.

 

[Twobyfour]

@Twobyfour have you whitened the skull yet and do you need to touch up the antler bases?

I just finished whitening it but the bases could use a little touch up somehow.

 

[Nick87]

I just finished whitening it but the bases could use a little touch up somehow.

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Its expensive but one of those will do a lot of antlers. Tudor brown matches the best. Turn the rack up side down when you apply it to keep it off the white skull. Juts apply a little with a tooth brush then wipe of until you get the desired color.

 

[Hunting Wife]

Elmer’s glue is invisible. I finish mine with a light coat of a clear matte spray paint.