If you’re a hunter you know that nothing is more frustrating than losing your hard-earned trophy to the elements. Whether it’s a set of antlers or a cape proper care and preparation are key to preserving your animals. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to seal deer antlers so they’ll last a lifetime.
First it’s important to understand that there are two types of antlers: hard and soft. Hard antlers are made of bone and are covered in a layer of keratin. Soft antlers are made of cartilage and are covered in a layer of skin.
The preservation process is different for each type of antler. Hard antlers should be treated with a product like Tanglefoot or similar. This will create a barrier between the antlers and the elements preventing water and other contaminants from seeping in.
Soft antlers on the other hand should be treated with a product like Liquid Glass or similar. This will create a hard protective coating on the antlers that will prevent water and other contaminants from seeping in.
Once you’ve selected the right product for your antlers you’ll need to clean them. This can be done with a simple soap and water solution. Make sure to remove any dirt debris or blood from the antlers before proceeding.
Once the antlers are clean it’s time to apply the sealing product. For hard antlers simply apply the Tanglefoot or similar directly to the antlers. For soft antlers apply the Liquid Glass or similar to a cloth and then apply to the antlers.
Once the product is applied allow it to dry completely. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on the product you’re using.
And that’s it! Your antlers are now sealed and protected from the elements. With proper care and storage they should last a lifetime.
How do you seal deer antlers?
You can use a number of different things to seal deer antlers including polyurethane lacquer and even epoxy.
Just make sure you sand them down well before you start sealing them.
What is the best way to seal deer antlers?
Many people believe that polyurethane is the best way to seal deer antlers because it is durable and provides a nice shine.
What do you need to do to deer antlers before you seal them?
You will need to sand the antlers down to create a smooth surface.
Otherwise the sealant will not adhere properly.
How long does it take for the sealant to dry on deer antlers?
Depending on the type of sealant you use it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for it to dry completely.
Can you seal deer antlers without sanding them first?
While you can technically seal deer antlers without sanding them it is not recommended.
Sanding them down first will create a better surface for the sealant to adhere to.
What happens if you don’t seal deer antlers?
If you don’t seal deer antlers they will eventually start to crack and splinter.
How often do you need to seal deer antlers?
You should seal deer antlers every few years to keep them looking their best.
Can you seal deer antlers with polyurethane?
Yes polyurethane is a great option for sealing deer antlers.
Can you seal deer antlers with lacquer?
Yes lacquer can also be used to seal deer antlers.
Can you seal deer antlers with epoxy?
Yes epoxy can be used to seal deer antlers.
What is the best way to remove the sealant from deer antlers?
Use a sandpaper to sand off the sealant.
How do you dispose of the sealant?
The sealant can be disposed of in the same way as any other hazardous material.
What are the consequences of not disposing of the sealant properly?
If the sealant is not disposed of properly it can pollute the environment.
How do you know if the sealant is dry?
The sealant will be dry when it is no longer tacky to the touch.
What do you do if the sealant is not dry after the recommended time?
If the sealant is not dry after the recommended time you can try using a hairdryer to speed up the process.
