Euro mount

[7DUX]

First attempt at this and I've got it very clean except some tissue that is all the way back behind eye sockets. I can reach it with a brush held by pliers but I'll never get it all this way. Anyone know about pouring salt back there? I wouldn't think it would hurt the skull at all.

 

[sierrahunter1]

Do you mean behind the sockets inside the skull cavity? If so, a taxidermist showed me a little trick. Use a wire brush for cleaning shotguns, attached to a rod. Insert into a drill. Shove the brush down inside the skull cavity, and let 'er rip. You won't want to re-use that brush.

If it's just a tiny bit of tissue inside various foramen, I wouldn't sweat it. Once it dries, it shrivels to nothing. I haven't salted those tiny bits in the past, but I'll bet you could use salt and call it good. Depends on how much is left.

Glass eye could probably give expert advice on this.

 

[bearclaw]

How did you get it clean so far?

It seems maceration is widely used and pretty simple, but stinky.

Good luck! Once clean, assuming its a deer all you need is some hydrogen peroxide and it will be pearly white in no time! Pigs and bears need degreasing. Post up the finished product!

 

[7DUX]

Do you mean behind the sockets inside the skull cavity? If so, a taxidermist showed me a little trick. Use a wire brush for cleaning shotguns, attached to a rod. Insert into a drill. Shove the brush down inside the skull cavity, and let 'er rip. You won't want to re-use that brush.

If it's just a tiny bit of tissue inside various foramen, I wouldn't sweat it. Once it dries, it shrivels to nothing. I haven't salted those tiny bits in the past, but I'll bet you could use salt and call it good. Depends on how much is left.

Glass eye could probably give expert advice on this.

I think that would have worked great when it came out of the simmer but the brush isn't doing much now that it's dry and I'm afraid to boil it anymore.

 

[sierrahunter1]

Ahhh. So, it's already dried. You are smart not to boil it anymore. Boiling is really hard on teeth and bone. You may notice chunks of teeth will pop off, even months after boiling. You may want to consider brushing a solution of water-diluted Elmer's glue on the skull to keep it from flaking. It also looks good, in my opinion.

You can soak the skull in a bucket of water, which will bring life to those dried bits again. Then, let the motorized brush do its job.

I macerate, like bearclaw suggests. I use an aquarium heater to keep the water warm. It takes many weeks, and stinks, but it works. Something to consider for your next skull.

 

[7DUX]

Ahhh. So, it's already dried. You are smart not to boil it anymore. Boiling is really hard on teeth and bone. You may notice chunks of teeth will pop off, even months after boiling. You may want to consider brushing a solution of water-diluted Elmer's glue on the skull to keep it from flaking. It also looks good, in my opinion.

You can soak the skull in a bucket of water, which will bring life to those dried bits again. Then, let the motorized brush do its job.

I macerate, like bearclaw suggests. I use an aquarium heater to keep the water warm. It takes many weeks, and stinks, but it works. Something to consider for your next skull.

Would the glue solution be used after the whitening or instead of?

 

[sierrahunter1]

After whitening. It's essentially a last step, and is optional. You could spray a clear finish over it if you wanted to.

 

[glass eye]

All sound advise that's been given. Modge Podge Matte sold in walmart or Michaels can be used as a sealer.

 

[hatchet1]

Just finished a few for the boys...i boil..wait till we have a few to do at once...done in a few hours...never used the peroxide...use a little pH+...

 

[ofdscooby]

Dude your artistic street cred is rising the photo is nice. Presentation,background,lighting you have it all well done

 

[hatchet1]

Thanks bro...I'm baby stepping my way to the top...skulls are a pain in the azz...that's why I only do them in pairs or more....if I get a pot going..I'm finishing them all the same time.

 

[Arrowslinger]

Photoshop!

 

[7DUX]

Thank you everyone for the tips. Mod Podge is drying, just need to get bracket for the wall.

 

[nicapopolis]

Looks great Jeff. Good job!