Powderhorn Dye

[No.4shot]

As I stated in another thread I am working on my second horn. On the first one I used old bones to dye the base. The problem that I had was it didn't make my scrim look like it popped out like on other horns that I have seen. If I use Rit dye like discribed in Sibley's book will that give me what I am looking for?

Thanks
#4

 

[Black Hand]

It is the India Ink that makes the scrimshaw "pop", not the dye. The dye just may enhance it a bit......

 

[No.4shot]

Won't the india ink run in the dye?

 

[omarick1948]

Read the Sibley Book and look at the pictures closely. If you don't want to use India Ink or Powdered Tempera, as Sibley instructions...use lamp soot and spit!

Rick

 

[No.4shot]

Wow those were some quick responses. Thanks Guys!

 

[mazo kid]

Several years ago, I got some black latex paint pigment in a small vial at the local hardware store for little or nothing. (The stuff they use for mixing colors). This isn't as runny as the India ink and will wipe up with water before it dries. Emery

 

[riverrat43]

If you do go with India ink or any other liquid, runny medium, make absolutely sure that the area around the scrim is smooth and scratch free. Otherwise, the dye will seep into the scratchs and have to be sanded out.Believe me, it WILL run! I actually do my scrim before I dye the horn to color.

 

[AeroncaTAL]

Wiping the horn with ink, or a dark oil stain will bring out those little scratches. I then sand them out with 320 grit, buff with 0000 steel wool before I start my scrim. Final inking of the scrim is done before I dye the horn. Others may have a different method...
Scott