I am pleased, but I can see room for improvement in the paint, specifically the tips.

This was a practice antler and the resin coloring came out purple. no joke ... it was purple. So, I had to repaint the entire antler.

The photos really bring out inconsistancies in color, so, in "real life" it does not look this blotchy and uneven.

The camera is cruel. Even so, I consider it a success, especially since it was the first antler I have reproduced.

I have no problem with anyone criticizing it, or any suggestions on paints.

The antler itself is very nice but IMO the color is to dark.

Here is a photo for reference.

The photo looks darker than it really is, so some of that is the picture, but, you are right, even in "real time" it is a shade too dark.

I hadn't really noticed that until I dug through my shed pile and made comparisons with others.

In my mind they were darker.

Dern fine first try, I'd say.

You are right J P. Too dark and too red. Looks like I need more yellows, (some grey?) less red and is there a touch of green in there?

I don't know how you are coloring it, but I'd say start out by using lighter colors first. Wipe it on and off fast, to prevent over coloring. Best of luck with it.

I've noticed a few things that affect the color of antlers in the wild. When the velvet first coms off the antlers, they are white or sometimes red from the blood in the velvet. When the animal rubs his antlers on bushes and trees, the antlers pick up color from what they are rubbing on.

Stickey sap from conifers acts like glue and will hold more color on the antlers. This is very obvious in conifer forests that have burned. Antlers from these areas can be almost black.

Elk antlers will typically have white tips from the bull digging his antlers in the ground, which removes the sap and the color it held on the antler. Deer don't dig their antlers in the ground as much as elk, so they don't develop the white tips like the elk.

Antlers are usually darker early in the fall because the animals are rubbing more. Later in the fall and into the winter, the animals are not rubbing as much so they don't pick up the color from the bark, and the antlers are starting to fade from rain, snow, and sunlight.

I guess what I am saying is the color of antlers will vary depending on the geographic lcation, time of year, and what the animal is rubbing on. There is no exact right or wrong color of antlers.

Pretty good job, Wendell!

If I had known you had such talent I would have hired you years ago when I had my taxidermy shop!!

Have you tried 0000 steel wool as a last buffing? That knocks some of the paint layers off the high spots to give a natural look. Don't press too hard with it though.

Hey . . . do you have any antlers for sale? I'd buy a truckload if I could.


JDS

quote:

Originally posted by buffybr:
Antlers are usually darker early in the fall because the animals are rubbing more.

I guess what I am saying is the color of antlers will vary depending on the geographic lcation, time of year, and what the animal is rubbing on. There is no exact right or wrong color of antlers.

I like your answer. It fits my paint scheme. I was going for early fall antlers, that's right, now I remember.

quote:

Originally posted by jds:
Have you tried 0000 steel wool as a last buffing? That knocks some of the paint layers off the high spots to give a natural look. Don't press too hard with it though.
JDS

Will try that. If I rub too hard it will show the purple antler underneath.

I do not have any antlers for sale. I do have a ton of sheds, but I can't bring myself to part with them.

Want some reproductions?

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by buffybr:
Antlers are usually darker early in the fall because the animals are rubbing more.

I guess what I am saying is the color of antlers will vary depending on the geographic lcation, time of year, and what the animal is rubbing on. There is no exact right or wrong color of antlers.

I like your answer. It fits my paint scheme. I was going for early fall antlers, that's right, now I remember.

Good answer

Try the steel wool lightly in the center and a little heavier on the edges and tips.