Ways to Stain Antler or Bone?

[Tim Crosby]

I got very nice results today using brown Rit dye and a few tea bags.
 The first photo is inside light. Second is in sunlight. Simmered for about 15 minutes

 So you just mixed it, put in some Tea bags brought it to a boil and let simmer for 15 mins or so?
They look good. How much Dye, Water, how many Tea bags?

 Thanks, Tim C.

[webradbury]

Don’t know how long it will last but we’ll find out!

[Marcruger]

I'd just lightly hit the high spots with 400 grit or 0000 and you'll have a super look.  I like the color.  God Bless,  Marc

[webradbury]

I got very nice results today using brown Rit dye and a few tea bags.
 The first photo is inside light. Second is in sunlight. Simmered for about 15 minutes

 So you just mixed it, put in some Tea bags brought it to a boil and let simmer for 15 mins or so?
They look good. How much Dye, Water, how many Tea bags?

 Thanks, Tim C.

That’s correct, except I only got the mix to a low temperature. I wouldn’t call it a simmer. Just a little bit of steam was whisping off the surface. I used the whole pack of dye powder in about one quart of water. I added three teabags but I don’t know If it had anything to do with the results. Let stew for about 15 minutes and laid out on a paper towel. The heat that the antler absorbed caused the moisture to evaporate And the antlers were dry to the touch almost immediately.  This was the dark brown (or maybe chocolate colored dye). Y’all give it a try with the dye packets are only about a dollar.

[pathfinder]

Surprised no one has mentioned Potassium Permanganate,AKA,purple crystals.

[Longknife]

Surprised no one has mentioned Potassium Permanganate,AKA,purple crystals.

I tried Potasium permanganate years ago on a birch (I think) gun stock. It stained the cheap wood a very dark, rich brown. I still have that gun but its BLOND now, not much color left at all, I don't know how it would last on antler or bone....Ed

[WadePatton]

Surprised no one has mentioned Potassium Permanganate,AKA,purple crystals.

I think it was, some ways up.  But Also-Mark Thomas demonstrated how he had used a photographic-type process at the last Engrave In.  I have notes somewhere.  But he painted the solution on to make a design, then outlined the design such that it appeared to be an inlay.    I don't know if I have pics, but I do know I have notes somewhere.  The solution must have UV to react and turn dark. Also if you get it on your skin, it will turn dark too, and it won't wash off.  It will wear off, someday.

It is possible that it's another chemical, but I'm sure it's a historically accurate process or Mark wouldn't have been foolin' with it.

We had rain and heavy skies that whole week so the "process" was slow to develop. The sample piece, coupled with the "fakegraving"  was _splendid._  It looked like inlay.

[C Wallingford]

I made this knife a while back and made the grip out of hippopotamus ivory.  It was fairly white when I was shaping the grip.  I soaked it in a little warm water and a couple of tea bags for a day.  This is how it came out........

Absolutely beautiful, Dave!!

[Pukka Bundook]

Beautiful clean work Dave!

[PPatch]

Beautiful, well done. The stain works great.

dave

[davec2]

Thank you for the compliments on this knife.  Here is the original post that includes some info on the blade work and the scabbard.  (I just replaced the non existent PhotoBucket photos !)

http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=24575.msg237564#msg237564

[ddoyle]

Instant coffee gives some options too.