Antler carving

[treeman007]

I'm attempting my first carving using a moose antler. Can someone advise me how to finish it? should I coat it with wax? do nothing? I'd really apprecaite some advise - thanks!

[cannuckcarver]

treeman, post a pic. and it will be easier to coment on the finish.
Thanks

[Paul_Guraedy]

I would do nothing. My friend Bill Matz used a chemical compound on the brown (uncarved) part of the antler to make it darker (more like what it was like on the moose) and obtain more contrast. For a Matz link see moose antler carving thread (yesterday).

[cannuckcarver]

Here's the link to Bill site.
SCULPTURED MOOSE ANTLERS
Enoy.

[kenweybright]

Treeman,

I have never carved antler, however Cathy Krumrei, not sure if she's on this list or not, does. A link to her website is as follows, www.thecarverscorner.com. I'm sure she would be happy to assist you.

[mbus1]

I have carved a few moose antlers in the past several years. I have great success using Minwax Woodfinish (stain) in the color "Jacobean". Gives a real dark natural color. Once dry I use a satin varathane or polyurathane over the uncarved portions. Carved areas may get just the poly, left natural, or a quick blast of Watco Lacquer spray. Works for me!

Merryl Bustin
Welcome to www.highlandwoodcarver.ca

[treeman007]

I'd rather not post a pic until I finish, it's a carving of a coyote, have the basic shape complete but just ready to start detail. When I'm done I will. I was thinking of using a clear paste wax over teh entire antler, it's an old shed that some critter chewed the end of the paddle.