Horn scrimshaw?????

[Headshot]

I know this camp can answer this one!! My wife just had a friend scrimshaw her powder horn! This is the friends first attempt and they both like it so well, they have decided to leave as is(no ink etc) in raw.

My question to the camp is what should this be coated/protected with i.e Krylon etc.? Otherwise it won't look like it does for very long? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

 

[Headshot]

My wife just had a friend scrimshaw her powder horn! This is the friends first attempt and they both like it so well, they have decided to leave as is(no ink etc) in raw.

My question to the powder horn craftsmen, is what should this be coated/protected with i.e Krylon etc.? Otherwise it won't look like it does for very long? Thanks in advance for your help!!! If someone can tell me an easy way to upload a photo, I will!!!

 

[Glenfilthie]

Go to photobucket, set up an account, upload the pic and then just copy and past the image code here. They will lead you through the set up procedure there, it isn't all that difficult.

I've heard they should be sealed with bees wax but your mileage may vary.

 

[Black Hand]

It isn't scrimshaw without ink.....

 

[Headshot]

http://gallery.me.com/ridersofthesage#100901

the above link is too the photo!!!

 

[Headshot]

You are right about it NOT being scrimshaw without ink. I still need a suggestion on how to seal it if anyone has experience with preserving the detail "carved" into the horn and maintaining the present natural color!!

 

Why not just coat it with something like Varathane Satin (Polyurethane)?

 

[bangfxr]

I had done scrimshaw on my horn and I didnt put anything on it. The markings now can be seen better as time goes on as the natural oils in your hands and dirt will get worked into the etchings adding to the patina look of the horn.

 

[Skylinewatcher]

Don't know what to tell you to coat it with, but I think thats a really nice horn.

 

[hoochiepapa]

Man, that's nice!! Not the norm, and that's what makes it purty.
Tell the ladies they did good.

 

[Twice boom]

That looks nice .. :thumbsup: Unfortunately I do not have any suggestion to coat the horn with to help keep the figures as close to what they are now.
I think though, I will be correct by saying that if you were to use varnish or Varathane it will darken the figures with time .

It might be on the brittle side , but now that I'm thinking and typing (dangerous combination) an even coat of clear sprayed lacquer might be an option.. Just a thought.
Twice.

 

[rabjr]

Very nice horn. I thought maybe Horner75 would see this and speak up but he apperantly hasn't yet. I've actually been picking his brain lately as I've never done any horn work really and am about to make a French Pulverin horn, so I need a lot of guidance in order for what I want to look half way decent. I will quote him on the finish after scrim, ink and stain are done.
Hope this helps. :thumbsup:

Then give it two good coats of Johnson’s paste wax, hand buffing briskly between applications.

 

[Birdman]

Headshot I'm thinking that no matter what you coat the horn with, the figures are going to darken with time(patina).Between oxidation and the oils from your hands, a bit of dirt now n then and they will loose that bright whiteish look they have now.Ya might urathane it or as suggested use wax but eventually if yer gonna use the horn they will darken some. There is white ink out there that ya could use simaler to scrims black inking but personally I don't much like the look of the white scrim. YMHS Birdman

 

[Jim Evans]

I know a guy that does scrimshaw and he uses Gun stock wax to protect it.

 

[omarick1948]

I know this camp can answer this one!! My wife just had a friend scrimshaw her powder horn! This is the friends first attempt and they both like it so well, they have decided to leave as is(no ink etc) in raw.

My question to the camp is what should this be coated/protected with i.e Krylon etc.? Otherwise it won't look like it does for very long? Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Headshot, It doesn't matter what you coat the carvings with, some color change will happen over time. Poly/varnish or any clear petroleum based finishes especially will yellow and also peel easily only after a short time. Swampy told you what my favorite final protective finish is and that's Johnsons Paste Wax. Why, it's hard and gives a good protective seal and sheen to horn!

In all honesty, if your horn was mine. I would finger rub a little walnut oil wood stain JUST into the carving to help add body and depth and then dry with a hair dryer before waxing. The stain would bring out the shadows and detail better....but that's just me! You have a nicely carved powder horn, so what you do...do it to satisfy you!

Good Luck,
Rick

 

[Headshot]

I want to thank everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Horner75, The "Bride" is going to give your suggestions a try. She felt you provided the best suggestion for the results she is hoping to achieve. Thanks so much!!!

 

[omarick1948]

Headshot, Just tell her to have a small piece of cotton cloth with very little mineral spirits on it to wipe very lightly around the carving in case of a little over run of the stain!

Good luck and show us some photo's when done,
Rick

 

[Headshot]

Darice took your advice Horner75, and here is the end result. She hasn't finished it with paste wax.....yet!!! I think it turned out great and so does she!!! Thanks so much!!! Jim
http://gallery.me.com/ridersofthesage#100901 :bow:

 

[hoochiepapa]

Came out really nice! Kudos to them!! :thumbsup:

 

[Skylinewatcher]

I like it!