Nitric Acid Stain on Horns

[Top Jaw]

I know most muzzleloaders are experimenters, like me. So, before I look for an alternative way to color a horn tip with nitric stain & heat (AKA Aqua Fortis), what has been your experience?? (Cause I just know some of you have already tried it! :winking:

Thanks

Top Jaw

 

[dlemaster]

I used nitric acid with steel wool dissolved in it on the first map horn I made back in 1982. I applied the solution and let it dry and applied it again, let that dry and then heated it over the stove. I got a color very similar to the color you see on original map horns. It looks great color wise but unfortunately I got the lettering all wrong for an 18th century horn.
I see many people suggest potassium permanganate for coloring horns, but when I tried this all I got was a brownish color, unlike anything I have seen on original horns.

Regards, Dave

 

[hornbuilder]

top jaw :
the aquafortis will work for you but you might find it will take several coats to get the color where you would like it . :m2c: the potassium permanganate will also work and give you a color anywhere between light yellow to a dark brown depending on the strength of the mix. your other option might be to use rit dye ( golden yellow ) for the body of the horn and a darker shade for the throat. if you have an old peice of horn laying around experiment some with the aquafortis and a propane torch and see if thats what you want ... eace:

 

[Powderhorn]

I have used this dye for many years and have done about a hundred horns during this time. I use it because it is an authenic coloring for horns. It is messy and several (2-5) coats must be done for good coloring. I dissolve old iron nails in a weak solution of nitric acid until the solution won't react anymore. Filter and let the solution rest for about a week; leave the bottle unplugged. It then can be used for horns or for gunstocks. This color should last much better than pot.permanganate or leather dye, etc. After I get the color I wish on the horn, I then coat it with a thin coat of amber shellac, which is another authenic finish for horns.