Anyone used coffee to stain antlers?

[deerstalker.308]

I shot a fallow buck in velvet, antlers are hard and the skulls currently peroxiding in the garage.
I know lots of folk use potassium permanganate but I’ve seen a few videos of that and it looks a tad dark for fallow.
seen a couple of videos on YouTube using ground coffee which appears to give a lovely result, but everything I’ve seen they also use a clear lacquer to seal it, which I’m less keen on, anyone had first hand experience of doing this method?

 

[Biathlonjimmy]

No but I have used potassium permanganate on fallow to good effect.

 

[deerstalker.308]

No but I have used potassium permanganate on fallow to good effect.

would you mind sharing a photo?

 

[Biathlonjimmy]

Pm sent.

 

[mereside]

potassium permanganate is what you want it goes purple when you add water but stains a nice shade of brown you can build up slowly to get the desired color then just wire wool the tips and areas you want lighter,regards wayne

 

[bogtrotter]

Alternatively Bushwear sell an antler stain ,iI have never used it so I can't say how effectve it is.

 

[levigsp]

Coffee doesn't work, it stains for a very short while but colour disappears in light. PP work great but dont mix it strong, a few grains in warm water and sponge on when dry and another lot till colour is as you want. No sealer required.

 

[Moray Outfitting]

+1 for the potassium permanganate. You do wonder the first time if you have the right stuff when it goes on bright purple....J

 

[357mag]

I've used a mixture of peat and some moss as this is what can contribute to their colour in the wild. Seemed to work well.

 

[dave1372]

Tried both, stick with the p.permanganate in my opinion.

 

[243 Stalker]

I have used Vandyke crystals with some success to colour antlers.

Vandyke Crystals, the traditional method of colouring oak, mahogany and walnut. Dissolve in hot water to make your own brown wood stain, intensity of colour is controlled by the strength of dilution.

ATB 243 Stalker

 

[paulbshooting]

+1 on potassium perm, but apply a little at a time as it dries much darker so you can gradually get the colour you need