started on my first moose antler...need help

[buglechaser]

i bought a cheap moose antler on ebay for my first one just to see if i even had the skills in me...i started hackin away at it and realized that there are dark waves in the antler that i cant get out...it is a dark brown or maybe purple color? i am happy with the way my work turned out so far. So now i am upset that i have this issue to really make it look good. the color looks really cool on the ground part of the carving but its hard to see detail in that color. i have enclosed a picture so if anyone has any ideas or tricks i would love to hear thanks a lot...

Mason

[DiamondWillow]

Looks like you are going to have to put a SUN in left side of carving to show the Suns rays shining on the back of the bear. Would that help you out? I really don't think it is that distracting.
Gene

[Rwenzoski]

Hi Mason, From the photo it doesn't look to take away too much to me but I understand also that photo's just don't do justice? I have attached a link below to Shane Wilson which, of all the antler & bone carvigs I have encountered on the net, he is the master & teaches as well. I am thining maybe bleach may do the trick but I would highly recommend calling or e-mailing Shane & ask as I am sure he would be willing to help you out any way he can? Here are a couple examples of his work & I know he has taught up north but I see now he has been teaching in Alberta at the Red Deere College! Awesome work!
seahorsescover.jpg

yukonseasonst.jpg

farofannint.jpg
His link
Shane Wilson Sculpture
Thanks, Robbin
index

[Al_Hillis]

Hey mason , that is one fine piece of work you got going there ,keep us posted on your progress , thanks for posting and welcome to the forum

[mobjack68]

Originally Posted by buglechaser

i bought a cheap moose antler on ebay for my first one just to see if i even had the skills in me...i started hackin away at it and realized that there are dark waves in the antler that i cant get out...it is a dark brown or maybe purple color? i am happy with the way my work turned out so far. So now i am upset that i have this issue to really make it look good. the color looks really cool on the ground part of the carving but its hard to see detail in that color. i have enclosed a picture so if anyone has any ideas or tricks i would love to hear thanks a lot...

Mason

Worked in taxidermy for awhile, my guy would give his skull mounts a dunk in Hydrogen Peroxide. NOT the dime store variety, he bought drums of 25%, this stuff will take your fingerprints off (temporarily)...been there done that!! Do a google search for the stuff, it is available for regular folks and please read the warning label??? Test a small area on the back before you go wild with it...

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

When I saw the subject matter, "started on my first moose!" the only thing that went through my mind was "grilled or BBQ'd" lol

[mbus1]

Mason,
Mobjack68 is spot on with the industrial strength hydrogen peroxide. Soak a few layers of paper towel in the stuff and apply them to where you want "bleached". Leave overnight. Might have to go a second attempt. You see, like us, a moose is what he eats! What you're seeing in the antlers are trace minerals which dominate in the soil from where he ate his food. I often find some stubborn streaks in the antlers of our eastern Canadian moose. Seems to be less such colorations in western or northern herds. Good luck.