Thread: Two big W&Bs plus my first try at custom horn scales

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Great work.
How did you do the satin finish on the scales ?

1+! They look cool as can be! Nice Work!

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Great work.
How did you do the satin finish on the scales ?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

1+! They look cool as can be! Nice Work!

By cheating I am afraid!! The scales needed epoxy in a couple of areas to fix cracks, and prevent further ones developing around the grain of the horn. After I have sanded the epoxy, I spray the scales with matt black enamel paint. Sand some more around the epoxy areas, re-spray, and then apply a couple of coats of matt lacquer (also from a spray can). The finish is durable, and I love the look. I have no doubt that this method is probably seen as a cop out by a lot of restorers! But I wouldn't do them any other way myself - simply because I don't like the idea of visible epoxy fixes.

That said, now that I know I am capable of making custom horn scales, I am going to re-scale the 9/8 wedge in some authentic W&B black buffalo horn.

Very nice. Great work!

Originally Posted by KrytonsJaw

By cheating I am afraid!! The scales needed epoxy in a couple of areas to fix cracks, and prevent further ones developing around the grain of the horn. After I have sanded the epoxy, I spray the scales with matt black enamel paint. Sand some more around the epoxy areas, re-spray, and then apply a couple of coats of matt lacquer (also from a spray can). The finish is durable, and I love the look. I have no doubt that this method is probably seen as a cop out by a lot of restorers! But I wouldn't do them any other way myself - simply because I don't like the idea of visible epoxy fixes.

That said, now that I know I am capable of making custom horn scales, I am going to re-scale the 9/8 wedge in some authentic W&B black buffalo horn.

It's tough to get a good match with fillers. If the finish is durable,as you say, I can't see any problems & it still looks good.

1+ again! The look is smooth. VERY smooth!

Wow, absolutely fantastic work.

Stu