Horn scratching?

[TLanoy]

Ok, now that my first horn is done and I ordered a scribing tool that was recommended by another member, I want to scratch on my horn. My question is this, has anyone used charcoal dust mixed into a paste once the scratching is complete to make the words visible? I want to use something that will clean off the horn very easily once done.

 

[S.Kenton]

I've used the paste that you described, along with many others that work well too. Some of the stuff that I use ranges from magic marker ( black) inletting ink, a powder fouled patch Feiblings leather dye and black spray paint...I simply use 0000 steel wool to take off any excess coloring.
Make sure ya post photos!
Good luck!

 

[lonehunter]

I believe Horner75 said that's what he uses from time to time, His work speaks for itself.

 

[Billnpatti]

Althought I have tried my hand at it, I am not a horner. I do have a friend who makes horns and he was showing me that he uses some black powder with a bit of water or spit to make a paste. then he rubs the paste over the fresh cuts or scratches on the horn to blacken them. He lets it sit for a while and then wipes away all that does not go into the scratches and cuts. To protect the markings on the horn, he finishes off with a light spray of a satin finish clear lacquer. Once dry, you cannot see the lacquer but it is there protecting your work.

 

[gus13]

I have used india ink, the black powder "smudge"( I use Linseed oil rather than water though), wood ash, and good ol' fashioned dirt. all work, the Ink would be the more difficult to remove, but some #0000 steel wool works just fine.

 

[jackpine54]

If you can get some twist chewing tobacco, and don't mind the taste, chew it real good and use the juice to darken your scratches. Cleans up pretty good with steel wool.

 

[omarick1948]

As Lonehunter mentioned. I use charcoal dust with a drop or two of linseed oil in it for 99% of the horn work I engrave, followed by a paste wax seal. There are as many methods of darkening the engraving as there are powder horns, so any that does what you want it to will work.

We seem to be hung-up on using India ink, but candle soot with a little rubbing of tallow or oil of some type probably were the most common in Mariner types of scrimshaw.

Don't get lazy! :shocked2: Use some #0000 steel wool and a little elbow grease to lightly polish the excess off the engraving!

Rick

 

[TLanoy]

Roger that! I got my scriber in the mail today and will be deciding on what to put on my horn soon. I think some design as opposed to my my name but, we'll see.