Tim, great info on the coloring of them. I guess there are many ways to achieve the color one is looking for. For a final finish and while still warm have you used a dark oil stain (similar to that in Sibley's book)? I've used it on occasion and while it doesn't add much color, it does leave a varnish like film that seems to add another layer of protection. Any thoughts on this?
Gary
PS my own computer is down (bad motherboard) and won't be fixed until next weekend. In the meantime I have to travel to my son's to use his. Dang things, can't live without them once you get used to them.
In their book (It is a good book to get started with) they use wood stain and powdered paint along with a heat gun to achieve a patina, I have not tried this method. I think color and patina are two different things. A horn will color over time but patina comes from dirt, grime, sweat,grease,etc...use. I use the shoe polish to kind of cut the color. I use it on wood carvings after painting them to subdue the colors and I think it works well on horns.
I did try wood stains to color horns years ago but it did not stay on the horn but then again the horn was not hot when I put it on. What I use works so I stuck with it. I suspect that everyone who makes horns has a way that works for them. There are plenty of people out there with a whole lot more knowledge and skill with horns than I.
Tim C.
PS: Basicly it is what works for me. TC
